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Burl Ives Quotes

Powerful Burl Ives for Daily Growth

About Burl Ives

Burl Ives (June 14, 1909 – April 14, 1995) was an American singer-songwriter, actor, and storyteller who left an indelible mark on music and entertainment industries spanning seven decades. Born in Jasper, Indiana, Ives developed a passion for music at a young age, learning to play the guitar and harmonica from his father. His early years were marked by vagabondage, as he traveled across America during the Great Depression, often performing on street corners and hobo jungles. During this time, Ives was influenced by folk songs and ballads that reflected the struggles of common people, which later became integral to his repertoire. In 1938, he moved to New York City and found work as a radio announcer for the CBS network. His career took off when he started hosting "The Wayfaring Stranger," one of the first programs dedicated to folk music. He released numerous albums throughout his career, including "A Long Way from Home" (1954), which featured traditional ballads and bluegrass tunes, and "Songs of Our Time" (1956), which included Ives' original songs about modern life. Ives also gained fame as an actor, appearing in films such as "The Big Country" (1958) and TV shows like "Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C." (1964-1966). However, he is perhaps best known for his role as Sam the Snowman in the stop-motion animated film "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" (1964), which introduced his enchanting singing voice to a new generation. Throughout his life, Ives remained committed to preserving American folk music and passed on his knowledge to others through teaching and mentoring. His legacy continues to inspire musicians today, leaving behind a rich tapestry of songs that celebrate the human spirit and our shared history.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"And the snow melted only to bond closer the ice within my heart."

This quote suggests a deep, emotional hardening as the speaker experiences a situation where things that were once frozen (the snow) are melting away, but instead of warming their heart or bringing relief, the process seems to only strengthen the ice within them – symbolizing an inner coldness or emotional resistance. It implies a struggle with feelings or relationships in which they remain detached and unaffected by the thawing of external circumstances.

"I'd rather hear the angels sing than have the gift to make them weep."

This quote expresses a preference for experiencing beauty and joy, symbolized by the "angels singing," over possessing the power to cause sorrow or pain, symbolized by the ability to "make [the angels] weep." It suggests a value placed on peace, harmony, and happiness, choosing the uplifting and inspiring over the potentially destructive or negative.

"Time and love are like a bunch of bananas, too many siblings, nobody gets enough."

This quote by Burl Ives suggests that both time and love, much like a large number of bananas from the same bunch, are limited resources. Each individual desires their own share, but due to the scarcity, no one can ever have as much as they truly want or need. This highlights the human desire for abundance in these valuable aspects, yet emphasizes that this is not always attainable, reinforcing a sense of longing and appreciation for what we do receive.

"Don't quit playing your ukulele, darling. You're getting better."

This quote is a heartening encouragement to keep practicing and improving one's skills, specifically in playing the ukulele, but it can be applied to any creative or personal endeavor. The message is that persistence pays off – as time goes by, you'll notice progress and improvement in your abilities. The use of "darling" suggests a gentle and supportive tone. Keep pushing forward on your journey towards mastery!

"You can't plow a field by turning it over in your mind."

This quote by Burl Ives encourages action rather than contemplation alone, suggesting that one should take tangible steps towards achieving their goals instead of just mentally planning or daydreaming about them. Just as you can't plow a field by merely thinking about it, progress in life requires effort and action to see results.

I went to my room and packed a change of clothes, got my banjo, and started walking down the road. Soon I found myself on the open highway headed east.

- Burl Ives

Change, Myself, Started, Banjo

How I longed to see these things; how I longed to see the Liberty Bell and walk on the streets where Thomas Jefferson, Tom Paine and Benjamin Franklin had walked.

- Burl Ives

How, Streets, Had, Bell

The cool wind blew in my face and all at once I felt as if I had shed dullness from myself. Before me lay a long gray line with a black mark down the center. The birds were singing. It was spring.

- Burl Ives

Nature, Before, Shed, Blew

I stopped and gazed on the little dull man who was being paid to be a teacher of teachers. I turned and walked to the door, slammed it closed with a bang, and broken glass crashed to the floor. There was uproar behind me in the class, which did not interest me at all.

- Burl Ives

Door, Behind, Turned, Gazed

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