Phoebe Snow Quotes

Powerful Phoebe Snow for Daily Growth

About Phoebe Snow

Phoebe Snow (born April 13, 1956), an American singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, was known for her eclectic style that fused jazz, pop, R&B, and folk. Born as Louise Gerrard in Newark, New Jersey, Snow's musical journey began early when she discovered her vocal talents at the age of five. She later attended the Juilliard School on a full scholarship but dropped out to pursue her music career. In 1974, Snow signed with Columbia Records and released her debut album, 'Phoebe Snow', which included the hit single "Poetry Man". The album was a commercial success and gained critical acclaim for its fusion of jazz, rock, and folk genres. The following year, she gave birth to her daughter, Moonlight, who was born prematurely and developed cerebral palsy; Snow's music often reflected the challenges of motherhood and the struggles of raising a special needs child. Throughout the 1980s, Snow continued to release albums, such as 'Second Childhood', 'Against All Odds', and 'It Looks Good to Me'. In 1985, she collaborated with George Benson on the album 'The Two of Us', which won a Grammy Award for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal. In the late 1980s, Snow was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, a condition that would significantly impact her career and health. Despite this, she continued to perform and release music, including the album 'At Odds' in 2006. In recent years, Snow has been less active in the music industry but remains an influential figure in American music, particularly for her fusion of various genres and her powerful, unique vocal style. Quotes by Phoebe Snow include: "The most important thing is to have a good attitude, no matter what happens," and "I like my songs to be about real things, not just love songs." These quotes reflect her resilient spirit and her commitment to creating music that resonates with listeners on a deep, personal level.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Dreams are extremely important to me. Dreams and nightmares are the in-between stages of life."

This quote emphasizes that dreams, both pleasant and unsettling, play a significant role in Phoebe Snow's perception of life. They serve as transitional states between the waking world and sleep, encapsulating our deepest desires, fears, and subconscious thoughts. Dreams offer an insightful reflection of our inner selves, providing unique perspectives that can influence our understanding and interpretation of reality. Nightmares, in particular, can act as cautionary tales or warnings, underscoring the importance of self-awareness and emotional balance. Overall, Phoebe Snow suggests that dreams serve as powerful tools for personal growth and introspection.


"I'm not a starving artist anymore; I'm just an artist."

This quote reflects a transformation in the artist's perspective, indicating that she has moved beyond the struggle associated with being a "starving artist." Now, she simply identifies herself as an "artist," implying a sense of contentment and professional fulfillment. It suggests that although the financial struggles may have been part of her past, she is no longer defined by them, choosing instead to focus on her artistry.


"The more you look inside yourself, the stronger and the more compassionate you become."

This quote by Phoebe Snow emphasizes the importance of self-reflection for personal growth and empathy. By examining one's inner thoughts, emotions, and experiences, individuals gain a deeper understanding of themselves, which fortifies their character and increases their capacity for compassion towards others. Essentially, this quote highlights that looking inward enables us to tap into our innate strength and kindness.


"There is no such thing as failure. There are only lessons learned."

This quote suggests that instead of viewing experiences or situations as failures, it's more beneficial to see them as opportunities to learn and grow. The notion of "failure" can be disheartening and discouraging, but reframing those instances as lessons learned can foster resilience, perspective, and the ability to adapt and improve in life. Embracing this mindset encourages continuous learning and personal development, making every experience valuable rather than a setback.


"It's better to be a rainbow with some colors missing than to be a gray day all the time."

This quote emphasizes resilience, individuality, and embracing positivity in life. By saying "it's better to be a rainbow with some colors missing" rather than a complete "gray day," Phoebe Snow suggests that it is more worthwhile to live a vibrant, colorful life, even if not perfect or complete, than to exist in a constant state of dullness and negativity. In essence, she encourages us to find joy in our uniqueness, even when faced with challenges, and remind ourselves to appreciate the beauty we still possess.


I know there's a consciousness energy that operates completely independent of the physical body you inhabit, that maintains... awareness after the body's gone.

- Phoebe Snow

Independent, Consciousness, Physical Body

There's a fascinating school of thought that some women are relationship addicts. You get really strung out on a guy who's not returning your enthusiasm and tell yourself you're going to fix him and make him better, and of course it's impossible.

- Phoebe Snow

Thought, Tell, Some, Strung

I lost interest in being in the public eye.

- Phoebe Snow

Eye, Interest, Public, Public Eye

With my quick success, I didn't have time to learn the ropes of the music business. Because my first record was such a hit, I was terribly spoiled and I thought I couldn't do anything wrong. I was also desperate to make tons of money because of my responsibility to my daughter. And there was no longer any joy in making music.

- Phoebe Snow

Thought, Desperate, Quick, Tons

If the baby is sick, you won't find me showing up to play my gigs. If I have a contract, there is going to be a clause in that contract saying that if the baby is sick I will not appear.

- Phoebe Snow

Play, Going, Clause, Showing Up

A friend hipped me to hypoglycemia, which an article I read calls 'a disease for a nation of sugar junkies.' Who knows how many people in this country have it?

- Phoebe Snow

Country, Which, Read, Article

Give me a strapless gown and a rhinestone-studded guitar and some 55-year-olds in my audience, along with their kids and grandkids. Don't give me 'boogie'!

- Phoebe Snow

Give, Audience, Some, Gown

I wanted to be the greatest woman guitarist alive. I had fantasies about being a female Jimi Hendrix.

- Phoebe Snow

Woman, Alive, Fantasies, Hendrix

I realized that I've lived half my life already, and it's time to believe in - and stand up for - myself.

- Phoebe Snow

Myself, My Life, Half, Stand Up

Sometimes when you're overwhelmed by a situation - when you're in the darkest of darkness - that's when your priorities are reordered.

- Phoebe Snow

Priorities, Sometimes, Your, Situation

My life was very tenuous last year. My daughter's death, in March in 2007, was unexpected. It was a shock. I didn't know if I'd survive it.

- Phoebe Snow

My Life, Survive, Very, March

I'm not a folk or jazz singer, more a hard-edged pop singer - with some rock, and song hooks.

- Phoebe Snow

Song, Singer, Some, Hooks

I faded away for a while out of necessity.

- Phoebe Snow

Necessity, Away, While, Faded

I was totally ignored for a while... that's a hazard of signing with a small company who say how small they are and how close to the artists they are. Suddenly they don't have any time for you.

- Phoebe Snow

Small, Say, Ignored, Signing

I've sort of made up my mind that I have to do my career and I have to be a mother. These are my two responsibilities; of course the baby comes first.

- Phoebe Snow

Mind, Career, Made, Responsibilities

It's no sin to admit that you feel vulnerable and lost.

- Phoebe Snow

Lost, Admit, Sin, Vulnerable

Once I get out onstage, it's the same sort of basic production that it is anywhere else. But I might be a little bit aware that there might be people I know out there, who wondered where I was.

- Phoebe Snow

Production, Might, Sort, Anywhere Else

The thing that helped me come to terms with performing was an anxiety, a desperation for acceptance. There was never enough positive motivation in my life.

- Phoebe Snow

My Life, Performing, Come, Desperation

The first album was a very successful record. It made me very visible and it's an immediate association, but I don't do that anymore. Now I'm true to myself as an artist again. I'm more vocally oriented.

- Phoebe Snow

Artist, Visible, Very, Oriented

I would like to do something autobiographical, set to music. I don't know how I'm going to do it, but I'm going to try.

- Phoebe Snow

Like, Going, Set, Autobiographical

All of my life, when things got too difficult, I folded up the tent and went to bed. I couldn't stand a challenge... I was terrified of confrontation. I was very laid-back, and just wouldn't get involved or fight back.

- Phoebe Snow

My Life, Bed, Tent, Confrontation

There were times when I had maybe a couple of hundred dollars, and times I made myself think I was on top of the world.

- Phoebe Snow

Think, Couple, Hundred, Dollars

The most common misconception about me is that I'm basically a jazz singer.

- Phoebe Snow

Singer, Common, Most, Misconception

Back then, I was an acoustically-oriented artist. Honestly, 'Poetry Man' wouldn't have been my first choice.

- Phoebe Snow

Artist, Back, Been, Honestly

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