Ethel Merman Quotes

Powerful Ethel Merman for Daily Growth

About Ethel Merman

Ethel Merman (April 16, 1908 – February 15, 1984), born Violet Mary Etelka Zemlock in Astoria, New York City, was a groundbreaking American actress and singer whose powerful voice and dynamic stage presence made her a towering figure of the Broadway musical theatre. Merman's career took off after she was discovered by songwriter Richard A. Whiting during a talent contest in 1930. She quickly gained fame for her performances in revues, including Ziegfeld Follies, which led to roles in Broadway productions like Anything Goes (1934), where she sang the hit song "I Get a Kick Out of You". Her breakthrough role came in 1940 with Rodgers and Hammerstein's first musical, 'Oklahoma!', where Merman played the character Ado Annie. However, her most iconic role was as Reno Sweeney in the 1946 production of 'Annie Get Your Gun', for which she won a Tony Award. Other notable works include 'Call Me Madam' (1950), 'Gypsy' (1957), and 'Hello, Dolly!' (1964), where Merman originated the title role. Merman was known for her strong-willed personality and unapologetic brashness, which often clashed with directors and producers but endeared her to audiences. She was a trailblazer for women in musical theatre, pushing boundaries and refusing to conform to traditional gender roles. Despite retiring from the stage in 1983, Merman's influence continues to resonate today. Her signature style and indomitable spirit have inspired generations of performers, making her a true icon of American entertainment. Quotes like "I got it. Got it. Got it. I can do it," encapsulate her confidence and determination, embodying the spirit of Ethel Merman on and off the stage.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Everything that takes thought keeps out trouble."

Ethel Merman's quote, "Everything that takes thought keeps out trouble," suggests that engaging in deliberate and thoughtful actions helps to prevent problems or difficulties from arising. In other words, being mindful and proactive can help maintain a smooth and trouble-free course. This insight encourages us to invest time in considering our choices and potential outcomes, as this may lead to more positive and problem-free results.

"I'm not a comedienne - I just sing funny songs."

Ethel Merman, in this quote, is expressing that while she is primarily known for her singing ability, the humor or amusement derived from her performances stems not from her comic timing or delivery as a traditional "comedienne" would, but rather from the inherent funniness of the songs themselves. In other words, the humor in her performances is often rooted in the quirky or humorous lyrics or melodies of the songs she sings, rather than her own comedic interpretation or performance style.

"I always wanted to be a star, and now I am one."

Ethel Merman's quote signifies her personal journey from aspiration to achievement. She expressed that she had always desired stardom, and with her successful acting and singing career, she became the star she once dreamed of being. This statement embodies a sense of fulfillment, resilience, and triumph over ambition. It also serves as an inspiration for those pursuing their dreams, emphasizing the idea that with determination and hard work, one can indeed achieve their goals.

"My whole life has been a series of fortunate shockers."

Ethel Merman's quote suggests that her life was filled with unexpected, pleasant surprises, or "fortunate shockers". This could imply that she encountered numerous unforeseen opportunities and successes throughout her career and personal journey, which may have resulted from a combination of hard work, talent, and serendipity. The phrase highlights the element of surprise and the positive impact these events had on Merman's life, as well as her overall attitude towards them.

"The most important thing is to enjoy your work and get satisfaction from it. Money comes if you're any good."

This quote emphasizes that finding joy and fulfillment in one's work should be a priority, as this satisfaction leads to success and financial reward, given the individual's talent and skill level. Essentially, it suggests that by focusing on the enjoyment of your work and personal growth, material wealth will naturally follow if you excel at what you do.

I don't like to read. The only things I read are gossip columns. If someone gives me a book, it had better have lots of pictures.

- Ethel Merman

Book, Like, Read, Columns

At a flea market I always head for the junk jewelry table first.

- Ethel Merman

Head, Always, Market, Flea

As far as dramas are concerned, it's considered passe for playwrights to turn out anything the average person can understand.

- Ethel Merman

Average, Concerned, Playwrights

Mom claimed that I could carry a tune at 2 or 3 years of age. Maybe she was a little prejudiced.

- Ethel Merman

Maybe, Could, Claimed, Prejudiced

I attend surprisingly few shows. The type of theater that is popular today just doesn't appeal to me.

- Ethel Merman

Attend, Appeal, Type, Surprisingly

I was lucky enough to have the songs in my first show written by George and Ira Gershwin. Then Cole Porter wrote five shows for me.

- Ethel Merman

Lucky, Show, Wrote, Gershwin

I Got Rhythm really put me on the map.

- Ethel Merman

Me, Rhythm, Got, Map

At one time I smoked, but in 1959 I couldn't think of anything else to give up for Lent so I stopped - and I haven't had a cigarette since.

- Ethel Merman

Think, Give, Easter, Lent

My beloved Mom and Pop always rated tops with each other, and that's the way it will always be.

- Ethel Merman

Always, Other, Pop, Rated

I'll pat myself on the back and admit I have talent. Beyond that, I just happened to be in the right place at the right time.

- Ethel Merman

Myself, Right Place, Pat, Right Time

I can never remember being afraid of an audience. If the audience could do better, they'd be up here on stage and I'd be out there watching them.

- Ethel Merman

Audience, Here, Could, Being Afraid

I was born in my parents' bedroom on January 16. The World Almanac says it was 1909. I say it was 1912. But what difference does it make as long as I feel 33?

- Ethel Merman

Born, Feel, I Was Born, January

I've made a wonderful living playing that theatrical character - the professional brassy dame.

- Ethel Merman

Character, Made, Theatrical, Dame

I've never suffered stage fright. That fascinates people.

- Ethel Merman

Never, Fright, Stage Fright, Fascinates

Everything's coming up roses - for me.

- Ethel Merman

Me, Valentine's Day, Up, Roses

Legend has it that when God created me, he gave me a big distinctive voice, a lot of boldness and no heart.

- Ethel Merman

Voice, Legend, Big, Boldness

Cole Porter wrote Anything Goes and four more hits for me.

- Ethel Merman

Goes, Four, Hits, Porter

Cole Porter had a worldwide reputation as a sophisticate and hedonist.

- Ethel Merman

Had, Cole Porter, Worldwide, Porter

I've never cooked. I can't do much more in the kitchen than make a cup of tea and some toast.

- Ethel Merman

More, Some, Cooked, Kitchen

Any audience that gets a laugh out of me gets it while I'm facing them.

- Ethel Merman

Me, Audience, Facing, Laugh

If I feel in need of sleep, I just open a book or turn on the television. Both are better than any sleeping pill.

- Ethel Merman

Book, Television, Need, Open

When you are in deep conflict about something, sometimes the most trivial thing can tip the scales.

- Ethel Merman

Deep, Sometimes, About, Tip

In my case, things have pretty much been handed to me.

- Ethel Merman

Pretty, Been, Things, Case

I wasn't straining at the bit to become a movie star any more than I had plotted to get out of vaudeville and into Broadway musicals.

- Ethel Merman

Star, Movie, Broadway, Movie Star

I preferred delivering my performance in person. I liked to be in control. You couldn't be in films.

- Ethel Merman

Person, Delivering, Films, Preferred

There's such a thing as theater discipline. One player doesn't appropriate another's inventions.

- Ethel Merman

Inventions, Appropriate, Such A Thing

I wouldn't trust any man as far as you can throw a piano.

- Ethel Merman

Trust, Piano, Throw, As Far As

The slapdash way producers used to assemble a show seems a little unbelievable when we talk about them now.

- Ethel Merman

Show, Unbelievable, About, Producers

I have plenty of invitations to go places, lots to do. If I'm not working, I go to have my hair taken care of and work at needlepoint.

- Ethel Merman

Work, Go, Plenty, Invitations

Eisenhower was my war hero and the President I admire and respect most.

- Ethel Merman

War, Admire, Most, Eisenhower

Always give them the old fire, even when you feel like a squashed cake of ice.

- Ethel Merman

Give, Always, Like, Squashed

There have been people who have tried to take advantage of me. They want to be linked to me just because I'm Ethel Merman.

- Ethel Merman

Want, Been, Advantage, Linked

Christmas carols always brought tears to my eyes. I also cry at weddings. I should have cried at a couple of my own.

- Ethel Merman

Wedding, Always, Couple, Cried

Mom and Pop were proud of my popularity, but from their point of view, show business was no way to make a living.

- Ethel Merman

Business, Proud, Living, Popularity

Of my four marriages, the one to Bob Levitt is the only one I don't regret.

- Ethel Merman

Regret, Four, Marriages, Bob

My career at Warner Brothers consisted of one musical short subject. I was running around in a bear skin. Very chic.

- Ethel Merman

Career, Very, Musical, Bear

Music, in the past few years... anything singable or understandable is square.

- Ethel Merman

Music, In The Past, Square, Past Few Years

I take a breath when I have to.

- Ethel Merman

Take, Breath

My father taught me to read music and play the piano-but not well, even though people have said that I'm a natural musician.

- Ethel Merman

Play, Read, Though, Musician

When I'm asked how to succeed in show business, I always say I haven't the foggiest.

- Ethel Merman

Business, Always, Show, Asked

I'll admit - I was honored to be on the cover of Time.

- Ethel Merman

Time, Admit, Cover, Honored

I wouldn't change one thing about my professional life, and I make it a point not to dwell on my mistakes.

- Ethel Merman

Change, One Thing, About, Point

Once I had all the attention, all I had to do was deliver.

- Ethel Merman

Attention, Once, Had, Deliver

I have been ambitious to be a somebody from the time I was 5 years old.

- Ethel Merman

Time, Old, Been, Ambitious

I work as often as I want and yet I'm free as a bird.

- Ethel Merman

Work, Bird, Want, Often

Broadway has been very good to me. But then, I've been very good to broadway.

- Ethel Merman

Me, Been, Very, Broadway

You gotta have a gimmick.

- Ethel Merman

You, Gimmick, Gotta

I am known to be able to take care of myself when I become angry. I don't mince words.

- Ethel Merman

Myself, Angry, Words, Mince

I can hold a note as long as the Chase National Bank.

- Ethel Merman

Bank, Chase, Note, National

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