Jules Shear Quotes

Powerful Jules Shear for Daily Growth

About Jules Shear

Jules Shear (born July 14, 1953) is an American singer-songwriter, record producer, and multi-instrumentalist, renowned for his poignant lyrics and unique vocal style that seamlessly blend folk, pop, and rock genres. Born in New York City, Shear's musical journey began at an early age, inspired by the vibrant music scene of Greenwich Village and the influential artists he encountered there. In the 1970s, Shear formed his first band, The Raging Families, which provided him with a platform to hone his songwriting skills and perform live. His breakthrough came in the 1980s when he signed with A&M Records, releasing his debut album, "East Village Troubadour," in 1984. The album's lead single, "All Through the Night," became a hit, reaching #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and earning Shear critical acclaim. Throughout his career, Shear has continued to produce a diverse body of work, including albums like "World Without Tears" (1987), "Rock 'n' Roll is the Only Answer" (1993), and "Tales from the Boom-Boom Room" (2005). His songs have been covered by numerous artists, including The Carpenters, Bonnie Raitt, and Melissa Etheridge. Shear's lyrics often reflect his personal experiences and observations of life, making him a beloved figure in the singer-songwriter community. His influence can be felt in the work of many contemporary artists who cite him as an inspiration. Today, Shear continues to perform and record music, sharing his unique perspective and captivating audience with each new release.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Life is what happens while you're making other plans."

This quote by Jules Shear emphasizes that unplanned or unexpected events often define our lives more than our carefully crafted plans. It serves as a reminder that while it's essential to have goals and aspirations, we should also be open to the spontaneous moments and experiences that life brings us. In essence, it suggests that true happiness and growth may come from embracing life's twists and turns rather than rigidly adhering to predetermined paths.


"When I hear someone say they've got it all together, I feel sorry for their kids."

The quote suggests that if a person claims to have everything under control (i.e., "they've got it all together"), it could mean they are unwilling or unable to show vulnerability or weakness - qualities essential for nurturing relationships, particularly with children. Children thrive in environments where emotional openness and flexibility are valued. A parent who seems infallible may unintentionally create an unhealthy dynamic, potentially hindering their child's ability to develop resilience and empathy by experiencing a range of emotions. This quote reminds us that being human, with all its imperfections, is crucial for raising emotionally intelligent children.


"I believe that everything happens for a reason and we can either choose to grow or choose to perish."

This quote by Jules Shear emphasizes the notion that events in our lives are significant, regardless of their nature, and presents us with an opportunity to learn, evolve, or adapt (grow), or else remain stagnant (perish). It suggests that personal growth is a choice, and the way we respond to life's circumstances shapes our future. In essence, it encourages resilience and positive transformation in the face of adversity or change.


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

This quote by Jules Shear emphasizes that genuine passion and love for one's work are essential factors in achieving greatness. It suggests that when we deeply care about what we do, we are more likely to put our heart, soul, and effort into it, leading to exceptional results. It also implies that finding a career or task that resonates with us is crucial for personal fulfillment and success.


"Don't wait until you've reached your goal to be proud of yourself. Be proud of every step you take toward reaching that goal."

This quote encourages self-appreciation for progress, not just achievements. It suggests that pride should stem from each step forward taken towards a goal, rather than only after the goal is accomplished. The message underscores the importance of recognizing personal growth and effort along the journey to success, as these steps are vital in shaping one's character and resilience. In essence, it calls for celebrating small victories to maintain motivation and self-esteem during the pursuit of larger goals.


I had 25 or 30 songs. Sequencing the record, I left that to the producer. I'm not into doing that stuff.

- Jules Shear

Doing, Left, Had, Sequencing

It took a bit of talking through administrative people, but only once did an attorney try and get in the way of the process and say their artist couldn't do it.

- Jules Shear

Process, Through, Took, Attorney

I don't know too many people because I stay at my house, I write songs, I go to the store.

- Jules Shear

Go, Store, I Write, Too Many People

I just sat down and thought, I'm going to write a song today, I'm going to give it a try. So I just stuck it on a tape like everything else. That was just another song.

- Jules Shear

Song, Thought, Give, Everything Else

Things kind of happen organically with me.

- Jules Shear

Kind, Happen, Things, Organically

I taught myself how to play when I was about 13. I'm a lefty.

- Jules Shear

Play, How, Taught, Lefty

I guess any time you believe in God you've got to be considered a spiritual person. That would make me a spiritual person. But I don't really know what that means.

- Jules Shear

Believe, Means, Considered, Spiritual Person

I was living in Woodstock for a long time, and I thought, I got to get out of here, man.

- Jules Shear

Living, Long Time, Here, Woodstock

I'm not really getting too involved. My position is, Here's the record. I'm at your disposal.

- Jules Shear

Here, Getting, Involved, Disposal

I saw Krishnamurti speak one time. And I thought, I'm not going to live here.

- Jules Shear

Thought, Here, Going, One Time

Rewriting to me means, if I work on it for three days, I've rewritten it.

- Jules Shear

Work, Means, Rewriting, Rewritten

Every one of the songs was based around picking an acoustic guitar. That was part of the concept from the beginning, that the tempos were going to go from slow to almost mid-tempo.

- Jules Shear

Based, Acoustic Guitar, Picking

I made this record without a record label.

- Jules Shear

Made, Record, Record Label, Label

A person like Carole King could make up something, change it, and actually improve it.

- Jules Shear

King, Like, Actually, Make Up

The same people who never did their homework in high school are still doing that to this very day out in the real world.

- Jules Shear

Doing, Very, Still, Did

Doing this James Brown thing for the last couple of days has been ideal. But it's a different kind of fun.

- Jules Shear

Doing, Been, Couple, None

Some people just come in, do it and they know it's right. It turns out better than you imagined it was going to sound. When that happens, you take it as a gift.

- Jules Shear

Gift, Some, Going, Imagined

The bottom string is tuned to an open G.

- Jules Shear

Open, String, Bottom, Tuned

Shouldn't the low strings be at the bottom?

- Jules Shear

Low, Bottom, Strings

I tend to think of all the songs the same - I give them all kind of equal rights.

- Jules Shear

Think, Equal, Tend, Songs

Some gigs will go great. I figure you do a gig, and as many as can get there will get there.

- Jules Shear

Some, Gig, Figure, Gigs

You could put this record on and not get jarred half-way through. I wanted it to be all cut from one cloth, and that was the way we took it through the whole production process.

- Jules Shear

Process, Through, Took, Half-Way

If you're asking me to compare myself to other people, I don't really know what other people are like.

- Jules Shear

Other, Like, Compare, Asking

Why do it, just because I can? That's kind of crazy.

- Jules Shear

Crazy, Kind, Why, Just Because

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