Hal David quotes:

Pop songs are not as graceful as they used to be. Performers today haven't gone through the regimen of learning how to write. And of course, everyone wants to own copyrights.

Rap culture is interesting and different and has purpose but it has a non-romantic view of life and of social feelings. There may be a void in that.

One thing a lyricist must learn is not to fall in love with his own lines. Once you learn that, you can walk away from the lyric and look at it with a reasonable degree of objectivity.

Mother told me always to follow the golden rule.And she said it's really a sin to be mean and cruel.So remember if you're untrueAngels up in heaven are looking at you.

In writing, I search for believability, simplicity and emotional impact.

The love of a girl can make a man stay on when he should go,Just tryin' to build a peaceful life where love is free to grow.

Above all, I try to create an emotion to which others can respond.

The talent is always there and art is cyclical. I'm optimistic.

Loneliness remembers what happiness forgets

I tended not to be concerned about whether a song was going to be a hit when I wrote it. Because it became evident that none of us knew what was a hit and what wasn't. So I thought if I just write what I like, why shouldn't people like what I like?

I'm never gonna stop the rain by complainin'...

Pop songs are not as graceful as they used to be. Performers today haven't gone through the regimen of learning how to write. And of course, everyone wants to own copyrights. Rap culture is interesting and different and has purpose, but it has a nonromantic view of life and of social feelings. There may be a void in that.

It's not just a revue where one song is done, then another. There are concepts and ideas at work.