Adrian Mitchell Quotes, born October 24, 1932, in London, England, was a prolific English poet, novelist, and playwright, celebrated for his accessible, performance-driven poetry and fierce anti-war stance. A former journalist and key figure on the British Left, Mitchell was the foremost poet of the UK’s anti-Bomb movement for nearly five decades, earning the title “the British Mayakovsky” from critic Kenneth Tynan. His works, including Heart on the Left and Tyger, tackled war, love, and social justice, often infused with rock, jazz, and blues rhythms. These 15 quotes—sourced from his poems, interviews, and public statements—reflect his wit, compassion, and commitment to making poetry for the people, capturing his rebellious spirit and heartfelt humanity.
15 Adrian Mitchell Quotes
- “Most people ignore most poetry because most poetry ignores most people.” (Preface, Poems, 1964)
- “I want to speak, to sing to total strangers. It’s my way of talking to the world.” (Interview, BrainyQuote, n.d.)
- “When I am sad and weary / When I think all hope has gone / When I walk along High Holborn / I think of you with nothing on.” (Poem, “Celia Celia,” Heart on the Left, 1997)
- “I know a lie when I hear one.” (Interview, Goodreads, n.d.)
- “You put your bombers in, you put your conscience out, / You take the human being and you twist it all about.” (Poem, “To Whom It May Concern,” Greatest Hits, 1991)
- “I use rock and jazz and blues rhythms because I love that music. I hope my poetry has a relationship with good-time rock’n roll.” (Interview, AZQuotes, n.d.)
- “Written poetry is different. Best thing is to see it in performance first, then read it. Performance is more provocative.” (Interview, BrainyQuote, n.d.)
- “I was run over by the truth one day. / Ever since the accident I’ve walked this way.” (Poem, Heart on the Left, 1997)
- “If I had my way, I would make love the only weapon in the world.” (Interview, Bookey, 2023)
- “There have always been poets who performed. Blake sang his Songs of Innocence and Experience to parties of friends.” (Interview, QuoteFancy, n.d.)
- “Stadium rock and commercial rock are the opposite of what poetry needs. An audience of around 200 is ideal for poetry.” (Interview, AZQuotes, n.d.)
- “I would have walked on the water / But I wasn’t fully insured. / And the BMA sent a writ my way / With the very first leper I cured.” (Poem, “The Liberal Christ Gives a Press Conference,” Greatest Hits, 1991)
- “I use the language I use to my friends. They wouldn’t believe me if I used some high-flown literary language. I want them to believe me.” (Interview, BrainyQuote, n.d.)
- “Poetry is the language in which man explores his own amazement.” (Interview, Bookey, 2023)
- “May I borrow your wheelbarrow? / I didn’t lay down my life in World War II so that you could borrow my wheelbarrow.” (Poem, “Ten Ways to Avoid Lending Your Wheelbarrow to Anybody,” Greatest Hits, 1991)
Adrian Mitchell’s quotes are a bold blend of wit, rebellion, and tender humanity, urging readers to question lies, embrace love, and dance with poetry’s raw energy. Which one’s got you ready to join the poetic revolution? Drop it in the comments and keep Mitchell’s legacy alive!
Emma Thompson
Hi, I'm Emma Thompson, founder of MyLittleDesire. I share relationship advice, love quotes, and thoughtful gift ideas to help you express your feelings and strengthen your bonds. Let's celebrate love together!
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