To me, human existence exists on a multiple level, not just on a two-dimensional level, not just having to be identified with what you do and what you say.

Quote by Ornette Coleman

Topics: Ornette Coleman Quotes

I had a really good time in New Orleans, although I had some very tragic...

I had a really good time in New Orleans, although I had some very tragic...

That's what I was trying to say when we were talking about sound. I think...

That's what I was trying to say when we were talking about sound. I think...

I think that those elements - light and sound - are beyond democratic. They're into...

I think that those elements - light and sound - are beyond democratic. They're into...

It's just someone has labelled us as having a different label to do what you...

It's just someone has labelled us as having a different label to do what you...

I asked my mother could I have an instrument. She said, 'Well if you go...

I asked my mother could I have an instrument. She said, 'Well if you go...

You've got to realize. In the western world, regardless of what color you are, what...

You've got to realize. In the western world, regardless of what color you are, what...

I've never had a relationship with a record executive. I always went to the record...

I've never had a relationship with a record executive. I always went to the record...

That's why I haven't been so anxious. But now, lots of people write and say,...

That's why I haven't been so anxious. But now, lots of people write and say,...

Most of my relationships have been like that - with record companies. I've never had...

Most of my relationships have been like that - with record companies. I've never had...

You don't have to worry about being a number one, number two, or number three....

You don't have to worry about being a number one, number two, or number three....

I don't really live like a musician myself. I think music is just something that...

I don't really live like a musician myself. I think music is just something that...

Even when you write it, someone's got to play it. So if you can play...

Even when you write it, someone's got to play it. So if you can play...

All the things that human beings suffer from are how their environment treats them, and...

All the things that human beings suffer from are how their environment treats them, and...

Actually, when I was in elementary school, I saw a saxophone. A band came to...

Actually, when I was in elementary school, I saw a saxophone. A band came to...

Actually, I have another record I made with them in 1976, but I've had such...

Actually, I have another record I made with them in 1976, but I've had such...

I remember once I read a book on mental illness and there was a nurse...

I remember once I read a book on mental illness and there was a nurse...

Originally, I wanted to be a composer. I always tell people, 'I think of myself...

Originally, I wanted to be a composer. I always tell people, 'I think of myself...

I'm having this conversation with you now. I'm talking, but I'm thinking, feeling, smelling, and...

I'm having this conversation with you now. I'm talking, but I'm thinking, feeling, smelling, and...

So, for instance, if you came to me, I'd ask,'Do you want to write? Do...

So, for instance, if you came to me, I'd ask,'Do you want to write? Do...

No one has to learn to spell to talk, right? You see a little kid...

No one has to learn to spell to talk, right? You see a little kid...