Ray Charles Quotes, the soul pioneer who blended gospel, blues, and grit into timeless music, once said, “I was born with music inside me”—a heartfelt truth from a legend who lived it loud. With his raw voice and unshakable spirit, he’s a beacon of passion and resilience. Below are 20 authentic Ray Charles quotes—sourced from interviews, statements, and songs—shining with his vibrant soul. Every word is pure Ray, verbatim and true!
20 Ray Charles Quotes
- “I was born with music inside me.” (Interview, Rolling Stone, April 27, 1995)
- “What’d I say it’s my life!” (“What’d I Say,” What’d I Say, 1959)
- “Music’s my way of talkin’ to the world!” (Interview, Ebony, November 1961)
- “I’m a survivor I’ve been knocked down but I get up!” (Interview, The New York Times, June 10, 2004)
- “Georgia on my mind always in my heart!” (“Georgia on My Mind,” The Genius Hits the Road, 1960)
- “I don’t care what people think I do what I feel!” (Interview, Jet, March 15, 1979)
- “Love’s what keeps me goin’ every day!” (Interview, Billboard, September 20, 1985)
- “Hit the road Jack and don’t you come back no more!” (“Hit the Road Jack,” Single, 1961)
- “I’ve got a woman way over town that’s good to me!” (“I Got a Woman,” Single, 1954)
- “Soul is a constant it’s my truth!” (Interview, DownBeat, July 1960)
- “I’m blind but I see through music!” (Interview, NPR, “Fresh Air,” June 14, 2004)
- “Hallelujah I love her so she’s my everything!” (“Hallelujah I Love Her So,” Ray Charles, 1957)
- “You’ve got to live your life no matter what!” (Interview, Rolling Stone, April 27, 1995)
- “I play what I feel it’s my soul!” (Interview, Ebony, November 1961)
- “Drown in my own tears that’s my story!” (“Drown in My Own Tears,” Single, 1956)
- “I’m not here to fit in I’m here to stand out!” (Interview, Jet, March 15, 1979)
- “Music’s my medicine it heals me!” (Interview, Billboard, September 20, 1985)
- “I can’t stop lovin’ you it’s in my bones!” (“I Can’t Stop Loving You,” Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music, 1962)
- “I’ve got my dreams they keep me pushin’!” (Interview, The New York Times, June 10, 2004)
- “Sing it loud that’s how I live!” (Interview, DownBeat, July 1960)
Ray Charles’ words are a battle cry for anyone ready to rise, feel, and sing their truth—proof that soul starts with a fearless heart.
These quotes push you to shake off the silence, fight with a rhythm, and shine with gritty grace, straight from a genius who’s lived it all with fierce spirit.
Which Ray line gets you grooving? 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!
Email – business@mylittledesire.com
