Quotes from Ethel Merman

I'll pat myself on the back and admit I have talent. Beyond that, I just happened to be in the right place at the right time

I'll admit - I was honored to be on the cover of Time

Be yourself -- it's the one thing you can do better than anyone else.

At one time I smoked, but in 1959 I couldn't think of anything else to give up for Lent so I stopped - and I haven't had a cigarette since.

Everything's coming up roses - for me.

Eisenhower was my war hero and the President I admire and respect most.

Christmas carols always brought tears to my eyes. I also cry at weddings. I should have cried at a couple of my own.

I wouldn't trust any man as far as you can throw a piano.

My beloved Mom and Pop always rated tops with each other, and that's the way it will always be.

I wouldn't change one thing about my professional life, and I make it a point not to dwell on my mistakes.

Mom and Pop were proud of my popularity, but from their point of view, show business was no way to make a living.

I wouldn't trust any man as far as you can throw a piano

Cole Porter wrote Anything Goes and four more hits for me.

I was born in my parents' bedroom on January 16. The World Almanac says it was 1909. I say it was 1912. But what difference does it make as long as I feel 33?

When you are in deep conflict about something, sometimes the most trivial thing can tip the scales.

There have been people who have tried to take advantage of me. They want to be linked to me just because I'm Ethel Merman.

If I feel in need of sleep, I just open a book or turn on the television. Both are better than any sleeping pill.

I attend surprisingly few shows. The type of theater that is popular today just doesn't appeal to me.

The slapdash way producers used to assemble a show seems a little unbelievable when we talk about them now.

Christmas carols always brought tears to my eyes. I also cry at weddings. I should have cried at a couple of my own.

My father taught me to read music and play the piano-but not well, even though people have said that I'm a natural musician.

Music, in the past few years... anything singable or understandable is square.

I can hold a note as long as the Chase National Bank.

I work as often as I want and yet I'm free as a bird