Pinterest and other online sources are chock full of the best country quotes by contemporary and historic artists. As if their lyrics aren't memorable enough, these 10 stars from today and yesterday offered up their fair share of hot takes to the press. Examples range from true understandings of heartache to quick glimpses at stars' senses of humor.
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From love quotes to thoughts on country life in America or the pain of goodbyes, these inspirational quotes are sure to make an impact.
"Townes Van Zandt is the best songwriter in the whole world and I'll stand on Bob Dylan's coffee table in my cowboy boots and say that."
-Steve Earle
Earle has dished out some of the hottest takes in favor of women in the industry and against "bro-country" during his promotional push for his recent album, So You Wanna Be an Outlaw. The singer-songwriter has been boldly opinionated all along, including this infamous defense of his outlaw country mentor.
"You have to grow up, start paying rent and have your heart broken before you understand country."
-Emmylou Harris
From the lyrics of Hank Williams to Miranda Lambert, this quote rings true. Good country music is about real people's true feelings. Sometimes it takes a little living to relate.
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"It's never been for love of money. I thank God for it because it makes me a living. But I sing because I love it, not because of the dollar signs. "
-George Jones
This all-time great knows that God gave him showers of blessings, an abundance of talent and some hefty paychecks.
READ MORE: 10 Best George Jones Songs
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"I've seen country music go uptown, like we say, and I'm proud I was there when it happened."
-Loretta Lynn
A true living legend, Lynn has seen country music go from the margins to the mainstream, staying relevant each step of the way.
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"Ninety-nine percent of the world's lovers are not with their first choice. That's what makes the jukebox play."
-Willie Nelson
The heartache in a great country song can make its singer's best song lyrics immortal, as long as old fans and new listeners give their records a spin
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"It costs a lot of money to look this cheap."
-Dolly Parton
Parton is one of the all-time greats at a lot of things beyond the stage and studio, from philanthropy to memorable one-liners. In this instance, she flaunts the comedic self-awareness that's a big part of her one of a kind public persona.
READ MORE: 10 of the Best Dollyisms
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"I want to reach the point where people hear my name and immediately think of real country music."
-George Strait
Needless to say, Straight crossed that checkered line a long time ago.
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"I was a pretty good imitator of Roy Acuff, but then I found out they had a Roy Acuff so I started singing like myself."
-Hank Williams
This funny quip should remind us all that even Hank had to find his own voice as an artist en route to the most storied career of them all.
Love these inspirational country quotes? Read these positive quotes from country's strongest women.
