Top 22 Ray LaMontagne Quotes

Social situations, for me – it’s very natural for me to be an observer. That’s where I’m most comfortable. I observe things.

I probably wouldn’t be a songwriter if I didn’t grow up the way I did. It was difficult and it was at times very scary to grow up in a household so unsettled and at times very violent. But, it also, I guess it earned me a sort of wisdom at a young age that’s served me well.

I need space between me and the audience – and the more space the better.

We all have that inner voice that is wise, even if we don’t always follow it. It’s that voice I’m trying to listen to.

I feel calm when I’m on my own.

I’d much rather be playing songs than talking to people.

I was really lost for a while in my teens. I was angry. But when I found music – Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Joni Mitchell – it was a new discovery. It was a door to this other world where I wanted to be.

Well… you know, I love motorcycles. They’re just beautiful, and there’s a certain craftsmanship in older bikes, older Triumphs or BSAs or Norton. I’m just very attracted to it.

I always felt, as a listener at a show, that when there was too much banter between the artist and the audience that it detracted from the show. I more enjoyed shows where the guys came out and they just played.

I want to write music that will outlive me.

I want to be in control of my own destiny.

Every song asks to be sung in a different way.

I’m a private person.

I’m a very emotional person.

It’s so easy to get caught up in your own experiences. They can seem so important. But there are billions and billions of other experiences going on.

I’m very uncomfortable in my own skin.

You can make bad choices and find yourself in a downward spiral or you can find something that gets you out of it.

The thing I love about music is that you can take things that are painful, deep things that hurt you, and you can turn them into something beautiful.

I have a strong sense of self, but that’s not a negative thing.

When I pick up the guitar, it’s a melody, and that’s what drives the lyrics. It’s bits and pieces of truth, but it is storytelling.

My backstory is so tedious.

There’s a real sense of desperation when you grow up in poverty.