Dorothy Fields Quotes

Powerful Dorothy Fields for Daily Growth

About Dorothy Fields

Dorothy Fields (1905-1974) was an illustrious American songwriter, lyricist, and screenwriter who made significant contributions to the world of entertainment spanning several decades. Born on May 15, 1905, in Allenhurst, New Jersey, Fields grew up in a creative family that nurtured her artistic talents. Her father, Lew Fields, was a successful comedian and playwright, while her mother, Rose Schuman, was an actress. Fields' passion for writing began at an early age. Inspired by the works of George M. Cohan and Irving Berlin, she began crafting songs and skits as a child. After completing her education, she started her professional career in 1928 when she joined Lew Fields' theater company. Fields quickly rose to fame during the Golden Age of Broadway, penning lyrics for numerous hit musicals such as "Petrified Forest" (1935), "Sweet and Low-Down" (1934), and "Up in Central Park" (1935). However, her most notable work was the book and lyrics for the groundbreaking 1936 musical "Rosalie," which made history as the first Broadway show with an all-Black cast. In 1942, Fields ventured into film, collaborating with Richard Rodgers on the classic film "Pal Joey." Together, they created several other memorable works, including "On Your Toes" (1936) and "Babes in Arms" (1937). Fields' collaboration with Rodgers also led to her work on the iconic 1954 film "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers." Throughout her career, Fields received numerous accolades, including an Academy Award, two Tony Awards, and a special Pulitzer Prize. Dorothy Fields passed away on October 10, 1974, leaving behind a rich legacy of witty lyrics and memorable melodies that continue to resonate today.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"The sun will come out tomorrow."

This quote, penned by Dorothy Fields, signifies resilience, optimism, and hope for a brighter future. Regardless of present circumstances, it encourages one to believe that the next day will bring improvement and sunshine, symbolizing joy, positivity, and new beginnings. It's a powerful reminder that hardships are temporary, and better days lie ahead.


"If you seek perfection, never find it."

The quote "If you seek perfection, never find it" suggests that the pursuit of absolute perfection in anything, whether it's a skill, a relationship, or an object, is often unattainable due to inherent limitations and human imperfections. It serves as a reminder that we should focus on improvement rather than achieving an elusive standard of perfection, appreciating our progress along the way. This quote encourages us to accept ourselves and others for who we are, fostering patience, humility, and resilience in the face of ongoing growth and development.


"Don't worry about a thing, 'Cause every little thing is gonna be alright."

This quote by Dorothy Fields encourages a mindset of optimism and trust in the face of challenges. It suggests that one should not fret over minor issues or problems because they will eventually resolve themselves, implying a positive outlook for the future. In essence, it's a reminder to stay calm, maintain faith, and let go of worries as things will ultimately work out for the best.


"Life is just a bowl of cherries."

The quote "Life is just a bowl of cherries" by Dorothy Fields suggests that life, in its essence, is filled with sweet moments and pleasures, much like the joy derived from eating cherries. It implies that one should appreciate these sweet experiences while navigating through the challenges and difficulties that life presents, painting a picture of optimism and resilience.


"You can't take a batter with you."

This quote, by Dorothy Fields, emphasizes that one should not let fear or apprehension hold them back from living their life to the fullest. The "batter" in this context symbolizes any fear or uncertainty we might experience before taking on a challenge or opportunity. In other words, you can't bring your fear or anxiety with you when you step out of your comfort zone and tackle new experiences, as they will not help you advance. Instead, it encourages the idea that embracing the unknown, despite our fears, is an essential part of personal growth and achieving success in life.


No thesaurus can give you those words, no rhyming dictionary. They must happen out of you.

- Dorothy Fields

Give, Happen, Dictionary, Rhyming

My father assigned me to keep his scrapbooks. At first I was interested in reading only his rave notices, but I got interested in reading what the critics were saying about whether the play was good or not.

- Dorothy Fields

Father, Play, About, Notices

A song just doesn't come on. I've always had to tease it out, squeeze it out.

- Dorothy Fields

Song, Always, Squeeze, Tease

I began to be impressed by what made a good book-how you needed to have a sensible story, a plot that developed, with a beginning, a middle, and an end that would tie everything together.

- Dorothy Fields

Beginning, Middle, Began, Sensible

I don't care how good a song is - if it holds back the storyline, stalls the plot, your audience will reject it.

- Dorothy Fields

Song, Audience, Will, Storyline

Elizabeth Barrett Browning could write a poem two pages long. Could she have brought it to a music publisher?

- Dorothy Fields

Could, Elizabeth, Brought, Publisher

A rhyme doesn't make a song.

- Dorothy Fields

Song, Make, Rhyme

Keep it in tune with the times, but don't write with the specific purpose of trying to create a hit. If you're doing it strictly to make money, you're crazy. There are easier ways to make money.

- Dorothy Fields

Purpose, Doing, Specific, Strictly

The songwriter mustn't fall in love with his own song. If it doesn't belong, he can't push it into a show. Let him save it; maybe it'll fit in another show.

- Dorothy Fields

Love, Song, Belong, Songwriter

A songwriter should have friends who are similarly interested; should move about in the milieu of work he has chosen for himself.

- Dorothy Fields

Work, Move, About, Songwriter

Love is the reason you were born.

- Dorothy Fields

Love, Reason, Were, Love Is

We've accumulated a lot of things over the years and many things from our grandmother. Hopefully it'll be all right. I really don't want to cry, but I can't help it.

- Dorothy Fields

Grandmother, Want, Over, Hopefully

There aren't more lady songwriters for the same reason that there aren't more lady doctors or lady accountants or lady lawyers; not enough women have the time for careers.

- Dorothy Fields

Reason, Lawyers, More, Songwriters

I do not think men have more talent. There are a great many women in the arts; novelists, painters, sculptors, poets-but the proportion is far lower in the field of song writing.

- Dorothy Fields

Song, Think, Novelists, Painters

The man in our society is the breadwinner; the woman has enough to do as the homemaker, wife and mother.

- Dorothy Fields

Mother, Mom, Society, Homemaker

A song must move the story ahead. A song must take the place of dialogue. If a song halts the show, pushes it back, stalls it, the audience won't buy it; they'll be unhappy.

- Dorothy Fields

Song, Audience, Move, Dialogue

Write what you feel. Write because of that need for expression.

- Dorothy Fields

Feel, Need, Because, Expression

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