Shirley Bassey Quotes

I was a wild kid. I was left to climb trees. And you know those railways logs, they piled them up, six feet apart, and I'd jump from one to the other. Without a safety net! I was an incredible tomboy.

- Shirley Bassey

I'm too busy putting my energies into my performance to be a diva.

- Shirley Bassey

I'm always being asked if I watch 'The X Factor,' and I do from time to time. I know it makes for great TV and that Simon Cowell has a real gift.

- Shirley Bassey

I've always been the breadwinner and men don't like that. They turn on you. They bite the hand that feeds them. Eventually, too, they become very jealous of the love one has with an audience.

- Shirley Bassey

I decided to retire from show business at the age of 17, because I didn't like it a bit.

- Shirley Bassey

When you live in a safe place like Monte Carlo, you can walk home at any time of the night and you don't have to worry. I don't feel at risk there. If I drive myself, I can leave the car doors unlocked.

- Shirley Bassey

You don't get older, you get better.

- Shirley Bassey

It's hard for a man to live with a successful woman - they seem to resent you so much. Very few men are generous enough to accept success in their women.

- Shirley Bassey

No wedding bells for me anymore. I've been happily married to my profession for years.

- Shirley Bassey

I think men are afraid to be with a successful woman, because we are terribly strong, we know what we want and we are not fragile enough.

- Shirley Bassey

I learned by standing in the wings and watching established acts on stage.

- Shirley Bassey

When I started singing, I couldn't be shut up.

- Shirley Bassey

Diamonds never leave you... men do!

- Shirley Bassey