Curtis Mayfield quotes

Curtis Mayfield was an influential American musician, songwriter, and record producer, celebrated for his work in soul and funk music. His powerful lyrics often addressed social issues and civil rights, inspiring generations of listeners. He became a key figure in shaping the sound of 1970s soul and is remembered for classics like "Move On Up" and the "Super Fly" soundtrack. Here are 19 of his quotes:

I was someone more Because I was no one poor. To find that I too was down on my knees. I'm just homeless.

Curtis Mayfield

Why can't we brothers Protect one another? No one's serious, And it makes me furious. Don't be misled, Just think of Fred.

Curtis Mayfield

People get ready there's a train comin'; You don't need no baggage, just get on board. All you need is faith to hear the diesels hummin'; You don't need no ticket, just thank the lord.

Curtis Mayfield

Let's do it in the mornin' Sweet breeze in the summer time. Feeling your sweet face All laid up next to mine. Sweet love in the midnight; Good sleep, come mornin' light. No worries 'bout nothin'; Just gettin' good, just gettin' good Just gettin' good love.

Curtis Mayfield

He don't love you like I love you If he did, he wouldn't break your heart He don't love you like I love you He's try-in' to tear us apart.

Curtis Mayfield

Now is always the right time With something positive in your mind. Whenever someone pulls you down, Just get back up and hold your ground. ... Summer, winter, fall just go Through the rain and through the snow. Just get on back to living again...right on.

Curtis Mayfield

We'll all turn black So who's to know? As a matter of fact, Color, creed and breed must go. There will be no light, So there can be no sight. And you'll judge your fellow man; Understand bout what is right. A million music, a million sound There's neutral thoughts For the underground.

Curtis Mayfield

It's hard to understand; There was love in this man. I'm sure all would agree That his misery Was his woman and things. Now Freddie's dead; That's what I said.Everybody's misused him; Ripped him off and abused him. Another junkie playin'; Pushin' dope for the man. A terrible blow, but that's how it go. Freddie's on the corner now. If you wanna be a junkie, wow; Remember, Freddie's dead.

Curtis Mayfield

Maybe the words that I say is just another way to pray.

Curtis Mayfield

He says don't worry, worry, worry, worry.But they don't know, There can be no show. And if there's a hell below, We're all gonna go, go, go, go, go.

Curtis Mayfield

Oh, many say that I'm too young To let you know just where I come from. Oh, but you will see that it's just a matter of time My love will surely make you mine.Ooh, living in a world of ghetto life, Everyone around seems so uptight. Nothing's wrong. It's alright with my man, my man.

Curtis Mayfield

Hush now child and don't you cry; Your folks might understand you by and by. Move on up towards your destination; You may find from time to time, Complications.

Curtis Mayfield

I'm giving him something he can feel. Oh, ho, to let him know my love is real.Hey, hey, hey...I'm giving him something he can feel. Yes, I am, babe To let you know my love is real.

Curtis Mayfield

Oooh, Superfly You're gonna make your fortune by and by. But if you lose, don't ask no questions why. The only game you know is Do or Die. Ah-ha-ha.

Curtis Mayfield

I used to love to sit and listen to the old people talk about yesterday. There's a lot of good information there.

Curtis Mayfield

Everything was a song. Every conversation, every personal hurt, every observance of people in stress, happiness and love... if you could feel it, I could feel it. And I could write a song about it.

Curtis Mayfield

As a kid, sometimes you have nobody to turn to. I could always go back to some of the sermons and talk to myself in a righteous manner and put that in a song.

Curtis Mayfield