Roger McGough, a British poet, playwright, and performer, is celebrated for his witty and humorous verses that often touch on everyday life, relationships, and the quirks of human nature. His words bring laughter and contemplation to readers while shedding light on the ordinary in an extraordinary way. In this article, we present a compilation of the top 10 quotes by Roger McGough that showcase his poetic brilliance, his unique perspective, and his lasting impact on literature and culture.
Top 10 Roger McGough Quotes
Let me die a youngman’s death / not a clean and inbetween / the sheets holywater death.
In these lines, McGough challenges the idea of a conventional, sanitized death.
I wanna be famous, I wanna be a star, / I wanna be in movies.
McGough’s playful words echo the aspirations of fame in the modern world.
If you never change your mind, why have one?
In this quote, McGough humorously highlights the value of open-mindedness.
Listen to the mustn’ts, child. Listen to the don’ts. / Listen to the shouldn’ts, the impossibles, the won’ts. / Listen to the never haves, then listen close to me… / Anything can happen, child. Anything can be.
McGough’s lines capture the spirit of possibility and encouragement.
I wanna be the leader, I wanna be the leader, / Can I be the leader? Can I? I can?
In this excerpt, McGough playfully portrays the longing for leadership and authority.
If I can have a try at anything why not a sky at / high up where the birds sing and the planes go by.
McGough’s lines capture the imaginative whimsy of childhood dreams.
Do you like poetry? / Only the stuff that rhymes.
In this humorous quote, McGough pokes fun at the preference for simple rhyming verse.
And the time’s running out as it always does.
In this succinct line, McGough captures the fleeting nature of time.
Life’s two dates are birth and death; / In between them lies the present.
McGough’s lines succinctly encapsulate the essence of human existence.
I wear the universe backwards. / I see your face / in the eyes of a rabbit.
McGough’s lines play with perspective and imagery in a whimsical way.
In conclusion, Roger McGough’s quotes reflect his ability to infuse humor and thought-provoking insights into his verses. His words continue to amuse and resonate with readers, offering a fresh take on the mundane and encouraging contemplation of the world around us. McGough’s legacy as a poet and performer endures, reminding us of the enduring power of language to entertain, inspire, and shed light on the human experience in all its delightful complexity.