Leslie Bricusse Quotes

Powerful Leslie Bricusse for Daily Growth

About Leslie Bricusse

Leslie Bricusse, born on January 11, 1931, in London, England, is a renowned British-Jamaican composer, lyricist, screenwriter, and actor who has left an indelible mark on the world of music and film. Raised by Jewish parents in a musical household, Bricusse's talent was nurtured from an early age. His first professional work came at age 15 when he wrote songs for BBC radio. In his late teens, he formed a songwriting duo with Anthony Newley, and together they created numerous successful musicals such as "Stop the World - I Want to Get Off" (1961) and "The Roar of the Greasepaint – The Smell of the Crowd" (1964). Bricusse's career took a significant turn when he was asked to write songs for the James Bond film "Goldfinger" in 1964. His iconic work, "Goldfinger" and "Nobody Does It Better," from "The Spy Who Loved Me," are among the most memorable themes in the franchise's history. In the late 1960s, Bricusse collaborated with American producer and composer Quincy Jones on several projects, including the groundbreaking musical "Scrooge" (1970). He also wrote the lyrics for "Talk to the Animals" from the animated film "Dr. Doolittle" (1967), which earned him an Academy Award. Throughout his career, Bricusse has written songs and scores for numerous films, including "Victor/Victoria," "Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory," and "Goodbye, Mr. Chips." His works have been performed by a wide range of artists, from Dionne Warwick to Gladys Knight, and he has garnered multiple awards, including two Academy Awards, three Grammy Awards, and four Golden Globe Awards. Today, Leslie Bricusse continues to compose music and occasionally act, maintaining his status as a revered figure in the entertainment industry. His legacy lies not only in his prolific body of work but also in his enduring influence on generations of musicians and songwriters.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"The future is not a place we go, but a mindset we adopt."

This quote emphasizes that the future isn't a physical location we reach, but rather a state of mind characterized by forward-thinking, proactivity, and adaptability. It suggests that our outlook and actions today shape our tomorrow. Essentially, it's a reminder that we create our own futures through our thoughts, attitudes, and decisions.

"Life isn't about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself."

This quote emphasizes that personal growth and identity are not predetermined or static, but rather ongoing processes shaped by our experiences, choices, and actions. Instead of passively waiting to "find" oneself, we have the power to actively create who we are throughout our lives. This perspective encourages self-awareness, personal development, and resilience in the face of life's challenges.

"In this world, you get what you tolerate."

This quote emphasizes that the conditions or behaviors in one's life are often a reflection of what they are willing to accept or "tolerate." In other words, if we allow negative circumstances, poor treatment, or unproductive situations to persist without challenge, we effectively give permission for them to continue. The implication is that by setting and enforcing boundaries, demanding respect, and striving for personal growth, one can create a more positive and fulfilling life experience.

"You can't go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending."

This quote emphasizes resilience and personal agency in the face of adversity or past mistakes. The author suggests that we cannot undo our past, but we have the power to shape our future. By starting from the present moment, one can make positive changes and create a different outcome - effectively changing the ending of our own story. It's a reminder to focus on progress, personal growth, and the ability to take control of our lives moving forward.

"Success is finding pleasure in what you're doing, no matter how hard it gets."

This quote emphasizes the importance of finding enjoyment and satisfaction in one's work or endeavors, even when they become challenging or difficult. Success isn't merely about achieving a specific goal or accruing material wealth, but rather deriving pleasure from the process itself. It suggests that true success lies in maintaining a positive attitude and finding fulfillment in the journey, not just the destination.

My view is that the great songwriting happened between 1920 and 1960. We're all, in our different ways, descended from the great songwriters of that era.

- Leslie Bricusse

Songwriting, Songwriters, Descended

I think 'Scrooge' is the best of the Christmas stories. Every child warms to it because it's about one man's transformation. It's saying that it's never too late to change, and that's a good feeling to have at Christmas.

- Leslie Bricusse

Too Late, I Think, About, Good Feeling

I wanted to grow up to be George and Ira Gershwin from the age of about six.

- Leslie Bricusse

Grow, Six, Wanted, Gershwin

When I wake up, if I can't figure something out during the daytime and then wake up at 4 A.M., it's there immediately. I don't know if it's the subconscious mind working, but it just happens.

- Leslie Bricusse

Wake Up, Immediately, Subconscious Mind

I was talking to a TV bigwig, and he said, 'Nobody under 35 knows who Sammy Davis is.' Well, you'll hear angry denials of that from younger people.

- Leslie Bricusse

Talking, Younger, TV, Younger People

Writing songs and lyrics is not that different from doing the 'Times' crossword every morning. They both give you a good mental workout.

- Leslie Bricusse

Doing, Give, Mental, Lyrics

I think we have to assume we have one life. Though, having said that, I did write a song called 'You Only Live Twice.' I'll settle for that.

- Leslie Bricusse

Song, Think, I Think, Assume

I fell in love with the idea of writing songs when I was a child. I thought I was going to be a journalist at first, but I gradually fell in love with all these great writers like Irving Berlin and Cole Porter, who were at the peak of their powers then.

- Leslie Bricusse

Love, Thought, Idea, Powers

As a complete score, I love 'Sherlock Holmes' - but we cast it badly. We put Ron Moody into the part - a great Fagin, not a great Sherlock Holmes.

- Leslie Bricusse

Love, Part, Badly, Sherlock

It takes a while to get a show on, and I've a number that have not yet been produced. I want to see all of them produced spectacularly before I pack it in.

- Leslie Bricusse

Want, Been, Before, Produced

'Retirement' is a dirty word. Luckily, I can carry on working until I drop, provided I retain my mental abilities.

- Leslie Bricusse

Dirty, Drop, Provided, Luckily

I'm musical in the sense that I can write a song, but I realised when I was learning the piano as a child that there were people who played it so much better.

- Leslie Bricusse

Song, Realised, Musical, Piano

The film musical is a very strange animal. They can bite you in the back, or they can do very well for you.

- Leslie Bricusse

Bite, Very, Musical, Animal

I never try to predict what will happen to any project, ever. There are so many factors. Does the public like the subject matter, the way you handle it?

- Leslie Bricusse

Will, Happen, Like, Handle

If you can't get a word at first, it's always waiting somewhere, and it's just a case of finding it.

- Leslie Bricusse

Finding, Somewhere, Always, Waiting

I don't believe in giving in to old age.

- Leslie Bricusse

Believe, Giving, Old, Old Age

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