Paul Shaffer Quotes

Powerful Paul Shaffer for Daily Growth

About Paul Shaffer

Paul Shaffer, born on November 28, 1949, is a Canadian-American musician, comedian, actor, and television personality, best known for his longtime association with David Letterman in late-night television. Born in Leaside, Ontario, Shaffer showed an early interest in music. He began playing the piano at age five and by his teenage years was performing in various bands. In 1973, he moved to New York City, where he worked as a studio musician and backup musician for artists like Paul Simon and Judy Collins. Shaffer's big break came in 1982 when he joined the NBC's "Late Night with David Letterman" as the bandleader and sidekick. His energetic performances, quick wit, and endearing personality became a staple of the show. When Letterman moved to CBS in 1993 for "The Late Show," Shaffer followed suit. Throughout his tenure with Letterman, Shaffer has interviewed numerous celebrities, played with countless musicians, and created memorable skits and moments. He also hosted the annual "Ed Sullivan Tribute" on CBS from 1994 to 2015. In addition to television, Shaffer has released several albums and has performed in various live shows. He was inducted into the Canadian Broadcast Hall of Fame in 2006. Despite leaving "The Late Show" in 2015, Shaffer continues to perform and make appearances, remaining a beloved figure in entertainment. Shaffer's influence can be seen in numerous late-night hosts who emulate his style and energy. His work with Letterman has become a significant part of American pop culture history. Quotes like "It's 12:37, you're on in five minutes!" have become iconic catchphrases. Despite his retirement from the Late Show, Paul Shaffer remains an enduring figure in entertainment.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"It's 12:30 on a Friday, we're in New York City - let's go to bed!"

The quote suggests an emphasis on the nightlife culture of New York City, with Paul Shaffer jokingly proposing they should retire for the night at 12:30 am on a Friday. It implies a fun-loving spirit that the city is known for, where entertainment and socializing often extend late into the night.


"We're making history here tonight!"

This quote suggests that an extraordinary or significant event is unfolding in the present moment, one that will be remembered as part of history. It conveys excitement, importance, and a sense of uniqueness about the current situation or performance.


"Ladies and gentlemen, the World's Most Dangerous Band!"

This quote by Paul Shaffer is a playful yet bold statement about his band, "The World's Most Dangerous Band". It suggests that this band is exceptional, unpredictable, and full of energy, with a unique ability to captivate audiences. The term "dangerous" may not necessarily mean harmful but rather implies that the band's performances are thrilling, exciting, and potentially disruptive in a positive way. In essence, it expresses the band's electrifying presence and dynamic musicality.


"In my younger days, I played all night, partied all night, and got no sleep at all."

This quote by Paul Shaffer suggests a lifestyle characterized by late-night music performances, socializing, and entertainment, often accompanied by a lack of sleep due to exhaustion from these activities. It signifies youthful vigor, an intense passion for one's work or interests, and a desire to seize every moment of life, even if it means sacrificing rest. However, the quote also hints at potential consequences of such a hectic lifestyle, as sleep deprivation can have negative effects on overall health and well-being.


"You know what they say, when you see flashing lights in New York City... it ain't always a cop!"

The quote by Paul Shaffer humorously alludes to the diversity and dynamism of New York City, suggesting that 'flashing lights,' symbolizing various forms of entertainment, are as common or attention-grabbing as police lights in the city, emphasizing its vibrancy and multifaceted character.


When you look into the eyes of an animal you've rescued, you can't help but fall in love.

- Paul Shaffer

Love, Help, Rescued, Animal

I lived at the Gramercy Park Hotel for about 10 years. It was terrific. It was a pleasantly run-down hotel of the '70s and '80s with a mix of older, rent-controlled apartment dwellers, Europeans and new wave and punk bands. The room service was great, the hamburger was terrific, and they had a doctor who made house calls.

- Paul Shaffer

About, Had, Bands, Room Service

You've got to be a really straight man to write a song like 'It's Raining Men.'

- Paul Shaffer

Song, Like, Straight, Straight Man

Life is nutty; anything can happen.

- Paul Shaffer

Life, Happen, Anything, Nutty

I love funny people. I met and became friends with some of the funniest people ever. Gilda Radner, bless her soul; Martin Short; Dave Thomas; Eugene Levy.

- Paul Shaffer

Love, Funny People, Became, Funniest

The record business has always mystified me. Sometimes there are reasons why things sell or don't sell that can't be understood by mere mortals.

- Paul Shaffer

Business, Always, Reasons, Mortals

I actually met Deadmau5 for the first time on the red carpet in Hollywood for the Grammys. I was there with my daughter, and he introduced himself to me. He said, 'Hey, I'm from Toronto.' I had a little conversation with him, and then I realized I'm talking to a guy with a giant mouse head.

- Paul Shaffer

Toronto, Hollywood, Had, Conversation

I still talk incessantly about 'SCTV,' and I say, 'Screw the kids!'

- Paul Shaffer

Still, About, Incessantly, Screw

When Marty Short and I get together, I sit down at the piano and play the score of 'Godspell.'

- Paul Shaffer

Play, Get Together, Down, Marty

Why would you want to do anything else but rescue a pet?

- Paul Shaffer

Want, Would, Else, Rescue

Not only was it enough to be a cover band, it was perhaps the highest calling. After all, if you could play music recorded by others, stay true to the original, and still add fire and flare, why not?

- Paul Shaffer

Play, Why, Flare, Play Music

As far as favorite 'overall package' record of all time, I'd have to say 'My Girl' by The Temptations. I like everything about it, not only the composition - but the arrangement, the production, the lead vocals, the background vocals, the horns, the strings. That one I listen to over and over again.

- Paul Shaffer

Listen, Production, About, Vocals

Writing never had the immediate gratification I was looking for.

- Paul Shaffer

Writing, Never, Immediate, Gratification

The Dave Clark Five had more appearances on 'The Ed Sullivan Show' than The Beatles.

- Paul Shaffer

Appearances, Dave, Sullivan, Clark

I think of all the things that I've gotten to do, all the wonderful people that I've played with, being in the recording studio with Phil Spector tops them all. And of course, now he is in prison. I hope to visit him, I still consider him a friend, and what can you say? A terrible way for a guy like that to be remembered.

- Paul Shaffer

I Think, Studio, Gotten, Visit

James Brown was my favorite, my absolute idol. Every time I played with him was like a music lesson, and I never thought I could be so funky! I mean, a white boy from Canada - a Jew - getting down with his funky bad self!

- Paul Shaffer

Thought, Bad, James, Funky

I love to be the center of attention. My oversized ego craves it and needs it.

- Paul Shaffer

Love, Needs, I Love, Craves

When I discovered that I could tune into American radio stations after dark, this was the hippest thing to me. It sort of saved my life.

- Paul Shaffer

My Life, Saved, Discovered, Stations

My years on 'SNL' had reconfirmed that what I do best is play for a sort of edgy comedy.

- Paul Shaffer

Play, Comedy, Had, SNL

I want to learn to sight-read music. And to play the bass pedals on the organ. Those are my only ambitions.

- Paul Shaffer

Play, Learn, Organ, Ambition

I don't know why this concept of what is hip became so important to me.

- Paul Shaffer

Important, Concept, Became, Hip

Everybody should have a shelter dog. It's good for the soul.

- Paul Shaffer

Soul, Shelter, Everybody, Dog

I'm doing less than I used to because I'm a family man now, and I have two kids.

- Paul Shaffer

Doing, Used, Less, Family Man

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