Rod McKuen
Rod McKuen
Rodney Marvin "Rod" McKuenwas an American singer-songwriter, musician and poet. He was one of the best-selling poets in the United States during the late 1960s. Throughout his career, McKuen produced a wide range of recordings, which included popular music, spoken word poetry, film soundtracks and classical music. He earned two Academy Award nominations and one Pulitzer nomination for his music compositions. McKuen's translations and adaptations of the songs of Jacques Brel were instrumental in bringing the Belgian songwriter to prominence...
NationalityAmerican
ProfessionComposer
Date of Birth29 April 1933
CityOakland, CA
CountryUnited States of America
I am not a joiner. Somewhere I once said that people join clubs now for the very reason they once carried them, a need for security. Maybe I'm alone more often than I should be, because I try to find security within myself.
Laws and machines are shaped to fit the classes.
We will all wake up semi-angels, If we wake at all.
I chose the shadows; they did not choose me. I stay here securely not just because I feel plain, but because disappearance is by now the easy way. The habit. The worn path that I can trod knowingly and be assured safe passage home.
I have never known a cat that couldn't quiet me down just by walking slowly past my chair.
Never fear being alone, because you never are.
Unless you call attention to your presence who will know you're there? Even a country has to weave and wave a flag as proof of its existence.
and if the world breaks down, I'll be around.
People often say 'I live for my art.' Bullshit! If you are given a talent it's to be used. It's not in the private domain.
The world needs writers. We will always be necessary. There are few professions that can claim that distinction.
Everybody has the answers or they'll make them up for you. Just once I'd like to hear a brand-new question.
Once I thought ideas were exceptions not the rule. That is not so. Ideas are so plentiful that they ride on air. You have only to reach out and snatch one.
The journey back is always longer than the forward run.
If I could do it over, I'd do better.