E. Y. Harburg Quotes
Born: April 8, 1896
Edgar Yipsel Harburg, known as E.Y. “Yip” Harburg, was the poet-philosopher of the American songbook and a master of lyrical alchemy. As the visionary behind “Over the Rainbow,” he transformed the Great Depression’s despair into a timeless anthem of hope, proving that the most profound art emerges from the crucible of hardship. Harburg believed creativity was not mere escapism but a revolutionary act—a “rainbow” woven from clay. His legacy endures because he taught us that art’s true power lies in its ability to dream, to critique, and to heal. His words resonate as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.
E. Y. Harburg Quotes (11)
"Words make you think a thought. Music makes you feel a feeling. A song makes you feel a thought."
— E. Y. Harburg"Leave the atom alone."
— E. Y. Harburg"April in Paris, chestnuts in blossom, holiday tables under the trees."
— E. Y. Harburg"When the idle poor become the idle rich, you'll never know just who is who, or which is which."
— E. Y. Harburg"Follow the yellow brick road."
— E. Y. Harburg"When I'm not near the girl I love, I love the girl I'm near."
— E. Y. Harburg"The Lord made Adam, the Lord made Eve, he made 'em both a little bit naive."
— E. Y. Harburg"Follow the fellow who follows a dream."
— E. Y. Harburg"Ding-dong, the wicked witch is dead."
— E. Y. Harburg"There ought to be a law against necessity."
— E. Y. Harburg"Leave the atom alone."
— E. Y. Harburg