Holly Near Quotes

Powerful Holly Near for Daily Growth

About Holly Near

Holly Near, born on November 19, 1947, is an American singer-songwriter, activist, and producer who has made significant contributions to the folk music scene and social justice movements throughout her illustrious career spanning five decades. Raised in a politically active family in California, Near developed a passion for music at an early age. Her parents, both Quakers, instilled in her the values of peace, social justice, and environmentalism, which have been reflected in her songs and activism. In 1970, she co-founded the musical ensemble 'Moving Parts,' which evolved into 'Holly Near & Friends.' Known for their powerful harmonies and progressive political messages, the group found success on college campuses and folk festivals during the late 1960s and early 1970s. Near's major works include albums like "Songs of Mommala" (1973), a tribute to her mother; "Holly Near" (1975); and "Red Dreams" (1982). These albums, filled with thought-provoking lyrics and captivating melodies, became anthems for the feminist, LGBTQ+, and anti-war movements. In addition to her music career, Near has been a vocal advocate for numerous social causes, including women's rights, LGBTQ+ rights, and environmental justice. She has worked closely with organizations such as Amnesty International and the National Organization for Women (NOW). Still active in both music and activism, Holly Near continues to inspire generations with her powerful voice, insightful lyrics, and unwavering commitment to social change. Her impact on American folk music and progressive politics remains profound and enduring.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"I'm learning to live with my heart wide open."

Holly Near's quote, "I'm learning to live with my heart wide open," emphasizes a personal journey towards vulnerability, authenticity, and emotional openness. It suggests that the individual is embracing their feelings fully, becoming more receptive and empathetic, allowing for deeper connections with others and oneself. This state of being encourages self-discovery, resilience, and growth in the face of life's challenges.

"We are all connected, and what we do affects everything and everyone around us."

The quote emphasizes interdependence and the ripple effect our actions have on our environment and those around us. It suggests that every individual's behavior influences not only their immediate surroundings but also indirectly impacts the world as a whole, reinforcing the importance of being mindful and considerate in our daily lives. Essentially, it encourages people to act with compassion and awareness, knowing that our collective actions shape the course of our shared future.

"The road is long and winding, but if you follow your heart, you'll find the way."

This quote suggests that while life's journey may be complex and uncertain, if one listens to their inner guidance (heart), they will navigate successfully through it and eventually find their path or destination. In essence, trusting oneself is crucial in overcoming challenges and achieving personal goals.

"When you love someone, you just want to be there for them, no matter what."

The quote by Holly Near underscores the essence of genuine love and care. It signifies a commitment that goes beyond the boundaries of convenience or personal gain; it's about unwavering presence and support for another person regardless of circumstances. In this statement, Near emphasizes the importance of empathy, understanding, and selflessness in relationships. A loving relationship is one where you are willing to be there for your partner through thick and thin, as they navigate life's challenges together.

"We have a choice: we can be part of the problem, or we can be part of the solution."

This quote by Holly Near emphasizes the power of personal choice in shaping our world. It suggests that every individual has a role to play in addressing societal issues, and presents us with two clear options: either contributing to problems or taking steps towards their resolution. The message is one of accountability, encouraging people to consider their impact on society and make conscious decisions aimed at promoting positive change rather than adding to existing problems.

If you have the guts to keep making mistakes, your wisdom and intelligence leap forward with huge momentum.

- Holly Near

Making Mistakes, Making, Leap

We who are interested in relative truth have to keep digging for it and not let ourselves be sucked under.

- Holly Near

Truth, Keep, Sucked, Digging

Music can be used against us as much as it can be used for us. Muzak can put a whole nation to sleep, whereas a lullaby is intended to put a child to sleep in a sweet way.

- Holly Near

Nation, Against, Lullaby, Whereas

To be always in a state of wonder is a kind of sensitivity that can sometimes be an extraordinary blessing and sometimes a real pain.

- Holly Near

Pain, Always, Real Pain, Sensitivity

I'm not allowing my perspective to be dictated by the dominant culture.

- Holly Near

Culture, Dominant, Allowing, Dictated

The war on drugs is a war against the communities.

- Holly Near

War, Against, Communities, War On Drugs

You can't just leave out one part; the bread won't rise if the yeast isn't there.

- Holly Near

Bread, Leave, Part, Yeast

When the students were killed at Kent State, the cast voted to do a demonstration from the stage, and I abstained.

- Holly Near

Students, Voted, Cast, Kent

Once women are not excluded, I don't think any of us will give a damn what pronouns are used. That wasn't the point.

- Holly Near

Think, Give, Will, Women Are

Part of being an artist is being willing to be shocked, being willing to be surprised, being willing to be hurt.

- Holly Near

Artist, Part, Willing, Surprised

White middle- and upper-class men have a longer journey to go than many people.

- Holly Near

White, Middle, Longer, Upper-Class

It's been important to me to be a good activist, a good thinker, a good musician, a good singer, and a good entertainer. You can't do it all, but I have walked those delicate lines as best I know how.

- Holly Near

Been, Delicate, Activist, Lines

It is essential that men start being interested in and excited by how women think.

- Holly Near

Think, Excited, How, Essential

You just keep feeding hogwash to people, and pretty soon they'll eat it.

- Holly Near

Pretty, Feeding, Keep, Hogwash

My parents had been involved in the labor movement; if we'd grown up in the city, we would have been red-diaper babies.

- Holly Near

City, Been, Had, Labor Movement

My creativity and my political work are linked. I don't do this work out of guilt or out of responsibility.

- Holly Near

Work, Political, Guilt, Linked

To my great surprise and pleasure, I have had dinner with most of the people living with whom I would like to have dinner.

- Holly Near

Surprise, Living, Like, Dinner

Why do we kill people who are killing people to show that killing people is wrong?

- Holly Near

People, Why, Show, Wrong

I don't believe in nirvana. If nirvana was handed to us on a silver platter, this would be the first day of our struggle to keep it.

- Holly Near

Believe, Platter, Nirvana, Silver

I like this life. I like it when it's hard, and I like it better when it's not, but I know you don't get the sweet part without the bitter.

- Holly Near

Life, Like, Part, Bitter

The women's movement completely changed attitudes all over the world in ways we'll never be able to count.

- Holly Near

Women, Over, Attitudes, Count

My parents encouraged thought. You'll get through life better if you learn how to think.

- Holly Near

Thought, Think, Through, Encouraged

To come to a concert and hear a lot of songs from a female perspective should not make men say, 'Oh well, that's for women'.

- Holly Near

Concert, Say, Come, Perspective

Part of keeping space open is not to try to choose a form - to spend more time thinking about content, and let form take care of itself.

- Holly Near

More, Part, Keeping, Content

When an audience comes to one of my concerts, I hope they'll see themselves, somewhere, in one of the songs.

- Holly Near

Hope, Audience, Somewhere, Concerts

When we make mistakes, say, I'm blessed that I have an opportunity to learn from this.

- Holly Near

Opportunity, Mistakes, Learn, Blessed

Language is like songs, like food, like dance-it is the expression of what we think.

- Holly Near

Think, Like, Songs, Expression

Leaping away from my mistakes has propelled me forward. It has great force behind it. It makes for great storytelling.

- Holly Near

Forward, Behind, Away, Storytelling

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