I like to start the day early, it keeps me out of trouble." ~ Glen Campbell

 I like to start the day early, it keeps me out of trouble."

~ Glen Campbell

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Here’s a curated collection of memorable quotes by Glen Campbell—ranging from lyrical reflections to personal musings. I’ve included a few particularly resonant ones below, along with their sources:

Selected Glen Campbell Quotes

1. “You’ve got to try a little kindness, yes show a little kindness / Just shine your light for everyone to see…”

— From the song Try a Little Kindness, this lyric encourages compassion and empathy toward others. 

2. “I like to start the day early, it keeps me out of trouble.”

— A charming, concise reflection on how a proactive morning routine sets the tone. 

3. “I guess I’m like Roger Miller who used to say that he didn’t have as many jokes as he thought he did.”

— A humorous, self-deprecating nod to the entertainer Roger Miller. 

4. “Some people have said that I can ‘hear’ a hit song, meaning that I can tell the first time a song is played for me if it has potential. I have been able to hear some of the hits that way, but I can also ‘feel’ one.”

— Glen reflecting on his knack for recognizing a great song instinctively. 

5. “There’s been a load of compromising, on the road to my horizon, but I’m gonna be where the lights are shining on me.”

— Poetic and evocative, this line mirrors the lush imagery of Rhinestone Cowboy. 

6. “I am a lineman for the county.”

— The iconic opening line from “Wichita Lineman,” striking in its simplicity. 

7. “I don’t remember not singing. I started when I was, I don’t know how – what, two years old, or a year old or something like that.”

— A delightful recollection of how early his passion for music began. 

8. “I would have been content to just do studio work; making it on my own never really entered my mind.”

— Humble acknowledgment of his unexpected journey to stardom. 

9. “I felt my music wasn’t aiming at anybody. Everything I was doing was because it was a good song.”

— Expresses his purity of intent and devotion to artistry itself. 

10. “If I get a song – a good song – I just sing it the way I hear it in my head. If anybody else wanted to add whistles and bells and chains rattling, that’s fine. Just not too much. I actually just do things as straight ahead as possible.”

— A comment on his minimalist, sincere performance style. 

11. “‘True Grit’ was fun to do, but I wasn’t cut out to be an actor. I made John Wayne look so good, he won his only Oscar.”

— Glen’s playful humility regarding his acting stint alongside John Wayne. 

12. “The more you play music, the better you’ll get.”

— A straightforward mantra on the value of practice and persistence. 

13. “If you’ve got a good melody and a good story married together, that’s a good sign for hit-song material.”

— His formula for recognizing a great song. 

14. “Honesty I can take. Lies I get upset about.”

— A short but powerful statement on his values. 

15. “I’m not a country singer per se. I’m a country boy who sings.”

— Captures his identity rooted in authenticity, not genre labels. 

16. “God saved me.”

— A succinct testament of gratitude and faith. 

17. “Life is too short not to enjoy it.”

— A gentle reminder to savor every moment. 

18. “There’s no pillow as soft as a clear conscience.”

— A lovely metaphor underscoring the peace that comes with integrity. 

19. “I worked my butt off.”

— Simply put, he acknowledged the effort behind his success. 

20. “I’m really not a songwriter, so if I hear a song, I feel it and like it, I’ll do it. But I’ll make it the way I want to hear it.”

— His approach as an interpreter: heartfelt and personalized. 

From Others Referencing Glen

• Chris Isaak said: “Glen Campbell told me, ‘Stay out of the way of a good song.’ I think it’s true. If a song’s good, don’t overdo it.”
  — A nugget of wisdom attributed to Glen—letting a song shine on its own.  

Reddit Reflections from the Fans

A few quotes from dedicated fans on Reddit that showcase his enduring impact:

“Glen Campbell was an amazing guitar player.”

— A simple but heartfelt tribute to his musicianship 

“‘And I need you more than want you / And I want you for all time.’ Doesn’t get any better than that.”

— A fan quoting the poignant lyric from Wichita Lineman 

Final Thoughts

These quotes reflect the many facets of Glen Campbell—as a storyteller, musician, comedian, and humble artist. Whether he’s reflecting on his craft, faith, or daily life, each quote reveals a sincere voice committed to authenticity and emotional connection.

Would you like more quotes focused on a particular song, era, or theme?Let me know—happy to dig deeper!