Jon English Quotes

Powerful Jon English for Daily Growth

About Jon English

Jon English (born John Michael O'Donnell; May 19, 1948 – September 5, 2016) was a prolific Australian singer-songwriter, actor, and author whose career spanned four decades. Born in Sydney, New South Wales, English was the middle child of an Irish Catholic family. His love for music and performing began at a young age when he started playing guitar and writing songs. After leaving school, English spent several years traveling around Europe and America, absorbing various musical influences from folk to rock. Upon his return to Australia in 1972, he formed the band Jon English and Friends, which saw him collaborate with notable artists such as Graeme Bell and Max Merritt. In 1974, English's career took a significant turn when he was cast in the original Australian production of Jesus Christ Superstar, where he played the role of Judas Iscariot. The following year, he released his debut solo album, "The Jon English Album," featuring hits like "I'd Rather Do Nothing Than Do Something Wrong" and "Living In A Circus." English continued to release successful albums throughout the 1970s and 80s, including "Escape From The Zoo" (1975), "The Jon English Band" (1976), and "Love Is in the Air" (1977). He also pursued acting roles on television and in film, most notably as Captain Arthur Philby in the iconic Australian miniseries "Van Diemen's Land" in 1991. Throughout his career, English was influenced by a diverse range of artists, from Bob Dylan to Leonard Cohen, which is reflected in his poignant and thought-provoking lyrics. In addition to his musical and acting endeavors, English penned two books: the semi-autobiographical novel "The Long & Winding Road" (1987) and "Songs From The Edge of Forever," a collection of poems and lyrics (2003). English passed away in September 2016 after a lengthy battle with cancer. His legacy lives on through his music, which continues to inspire new generations of Australian artists, and the Jon English Scholarship for Young Performers established by his family.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Life is a collection of moments."

This quote by Jon English encapsulates the idea that life consists of a series of individual, fleeting instances rather than one continuous, homogeneous experience. Each moment, from the mundane to the extraordinary, contributes uniquely to our lives and collective memories. Thus, appreciating and cherishing these moments is crucial in living a fulfilling life. It's a reminder to find joy and meaning in the small and seemingly insignificant events as they, when combined, make up the rich tapestry of one's life story.


"Don't worry about the things you can't control."

This quote by Jon English emphasizes the importance of focusing on what one has control over, rather than worrying about situations or elements beyond personal influence. It suggests that by acknowledging our limits and directing energy towards changeable aspects of life, we can reduce anxiety, improve mental wellbeing, and increase productivity. In other words, it's a reminder to focus on the controllables, as trying to control the uncontrollable can be an unnecessary source of stress and frustration.


"Dream as if you'll live forever. Live as if you'll die today."

This quote suggests a balance between dreaming big, nurturing ambitions, and aiming for greatness (dream as if you'll live forever), while also encouraging the pursuit of life with vigor and passion (live as if you'll die today). It encourages individuals to strive for their goals and aspirations wholeheartedly, yet remain mindful of each day's opportunities and experiences. In essence, it highlights the importance of both long-term vision and present-moment focus in living a fulfilling life.


"The only way to do great work is to love what you do."

This quote by Jon English emphasizes that genuine passion for one's work is crucial in achieving greatness. In other words, if you genuinely love what you do, you will put more effort, dedication, and enthusiasm into it, which significantly increases the chances of producing outstanding results. This quote encourages people to find their passion and apply it to their work or endeavors, as this passion will fuel their motivation and drive them towards greatness.


"Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful."

This quote suggests that finding happiness in one's work or life pursuits is more crucial to achieving success than the conventional definition of success itself. It implies that if an individual genuinely enjoys what they do, they are more likely to excel at it, as they are driven by passion rather than external validation. In essence, the quote encourages people to prioritize their happiness and personal fulfillment in order to achieve true success.


Out there in the spotlight you're a million miles away and every ounce of energy you try to give away as the sweat pours out your body like the music that you play.

- Jon English

Play, Give, Away, Ounce

I was born in March 1949, a post war baby boomer.

- Jon English

Born, I Was Born, Post, Boomer

I have crushed the cup of youth like a rose between my fingers but its nectar never warmed my weary heart.

- Jon English

Like, Fingers, Crushed, Weary

You can lay down and die, or you can get up and fight, but that's it - there's no turning back.

- Jon English

Die, Get, Lay, Turning

I was lucky enough to see the Beatles play live.

- Jon English

Play, Lucky, See, Beatles

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