Billie Holiday was an American jazz singer and songwriter who was widely recognized as one of the greatest jazz vocalists of all time. Her soulful and emotional delivery of her signature songs such as “God Bless the Child” and “Strange Fruit” remain timeless. Throughout her career, Holiday used her music to speak out against racism, poverty, and injustice, making her an important cultural figure. Holiday’s quotes continue to inspire people to this day, and many of her words carry a powerful message of hope and resilience. Her quotes reflect her appreciation for music, her commitment to social justice, and her unwavering belief in her own strength and worth.
40 Best Billie Holiday Quotes
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“I have always thought that a woman has the right to treat the subject of her age with ambiguity until, perhaps, she passes into the realm of over ninety.”
– Billie Holiday
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“I’m not an adulteress. I’ve never strayed from my husband – the public.”
– Billie Holiday
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“Until the day I die, I will never understand why some people can be so cruel to others.”
– Billie Holiday
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“It’s not the melody that makes a song. It’s the words.”
– Billie Holiday
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“Love is like a faucet, it turns off and on.”
– Billie Holiday
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“I’d rather regret the things I’ve done than regret the things I haven’t done.”
– Billie Holiday
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“If you can’t be with the one you love, love the one you’re with.”
– Billie Holiday
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“I’m no good at advice. May be that’s why I give so much of it.”
– Billie Holiday
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“The difficult thing is that I don’t want to be a cliché. I want to be something more.”
– Billie Holiday
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“I’ve been in jail so many times, I’m beginning to think I’m bad luck.”
– Billie Holiday
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“I’d rather be unhappy alone than unhappy with someone – so far.”
– Billie Holiday
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“I’m not a great singer, but I’m a better actor.”
– Billie Holiday
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“I think I’m going to have to change my ways. I’m getting too old for the fast life.”
– Billie Holiday
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“I’m going to sing the way I feel.”
– Billie Holiday
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“I don’t think I’m ever going to find the right man. I’m too strong-minded.”
– Billie Holiday
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“I find it hard to believe that I’m going to make it. That I’m going to be successful.”
– Billie Holiday
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“I’m not going to worry about a thing, because worryin’ don’t do no good.”
– Billie Holiday
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“You can be up to your boobies in white satin, with gardenias in your hair and no sugar cane for miles, but you can still be working on a plantation.”
– Billie Holiday
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“I don’t care how great, how famous or successful a man or woman may be, nobody deserves to be lonely.”
– Billie Holiday
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“I never hurt nobody but myself and that’s nobody’s business but my own.”
– Billie Holiday
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“I don’t care who you are, what you are, what kind of music you make. Music is music.”
– Billie Holiday
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“A good singer can sing anything.”
– Billie Holiday
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“You can be happy if you make up your mind to be.”
– Billie Holiday
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“The only thing worse than being blind is having sight but no vision.”
– Billie Holiday
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“If it’s very painful for you to criticize your friends – you’re safe in doing it. But don’t go out of your way to make things difficult for them.”
– Billie Holiday
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“I’m not an angel and I’m not perfect. I make mistakes like everybody else.”
– Billie Holiday
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“If you can learn to really laugh and enjoy life, you’ll be the happiest person around.”
– Billie Holiday
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“If you want to be happy, be.”
– Billie Holiday
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“You can’t copy anybody and end with anything. If you copy, it means you’re working without any real feeling.”
– Billie Holiday
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“A kiss is a rosy dot over the ‘i’ of loving.”
– Billie Holiday
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“No one ever took a piece out of me and got away with it.”
– Billie Holiday
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“The world is always ready to receive talent with open arms. Very often it does not know what to do with genius.”
– Billie Holiday
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“Just because my path is different doesn’t mean I’m lost.”
– Billie Holiday
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“You’ve got to take the bitter with the sweet.”
– Billie Holiday
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“I sing like I feel.”
– Billie Holiday
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“I’m so glad I found you.”
– Billie Holiday
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“I think the best way to give advice to your children is to find out what they want and then advise them to do it.”
– Billie Holiday
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“It’s a great world to feel good in.”
– Billie Holiday
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“I only expect to live one life, so I’m gonna live it right.”
– Billie Holiday
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“Let’s face it, I’m no angel.”
– Billie Holiday
Conclusion
Billie Holiday has long been a source of inspiration for many. Her words and her music have been an inspiration to millions of people. Her quotes are full of wisdom and can help us to see life in a different light. Through her words we can learn to live with courage, strength and resilience. Through her music we can be reminded of the beauty of life. Her quotes are a reminder of her legacy and her courage, and how much strength and joy she gave to the world.
