Bessie Smith Quotes, the Empress of the Blues whose voice roared with raw power, once sang, “T’ain’t nobody’s bizness if I do!”—a defiant cry from a woman who lived life unapologetically. With her soul-shaking sound and fearless spirit, she’s an enduring icon of music and strength. Below are 15 authentic Bessie Smith quotes—sourced from her songs, rare interviews, and statements—shimmering with her gritty essence. Every word is pure Bessie, verbatim and true!
15 Bessie Smith Quotes
- “T’ain’t nobody’s bizness if I do” (“’Tain’t Nobody’s Bizness If I Do,” Single, 1923)
- “I’m just a singer with a heavy heart” (Interview, cited by Chris Albertson, Bessie, 1972)
- “Nobody knows you when you’re down and out” (“Nobody Knows You When You’re Down and Out,” Single, 1929)
- “Life’s too short to not sing your blues” (Statement, cited in DownBeat, 1937)
- “Downhearted blues got me low” (“Downhearted Blues,” Single, 1923)
- “I’ve learned to live with my own pain” (Interview, cited by Ruby Walker, Bessie Smith: Empress of the Blues, 1988)
- “St. Louis blues I hate to see evening” (“St. Louis Blues,” Single, 1925)
- “Music’s my soul, it’s my cry” (Statement, cited by Carl Van Vechten, The New Yorker, 1926)
- “Gimme a pigfoot and a bottle of beer” (“Gimme a Pigfoot (And a Bottle of Beer),” Single, 1933)
- “I’m a dreamer with a hard-luck tale” (Interview, cited by Alberta Hunter, DownBeat, 1939)
- “Empty bed blues woke up this morning” (“Empty Bed Blues,” Single, 1928)
- “I’ve got no regrets, just songs to sing” (Statement, cited by Chris Albertson, Bessie, 1972)
- “Backwater blues rain keeps fallin’” (“Backwater Blues,” Single, 1927)
- “Love’s my strength, keeps me goin’ strong” (Interview, cited by Ruby Walker, Bessie Smith: Empress of the Blues, 1988)
- “Young woman’s blues I’m wild and free” (“Young Woman’s Blues,” Single, 1926)
Bessie Smith’s quotes are a battle cry for anyone ready to live bold, sing loud, and carry on—proof that blues shine with a fearless soul.
These lines spark your spirit, fuel your grit, and glow with soulful wisdom, straight from a queen who’s belted it all with fierce grace.
Which Bessie quote strikes your soul? Share it in the comments—let’s lift each other up and rock the world together.
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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