“If I got rid of my demons, I’d lose my angels.”

“My only point, the only point that I'm making, is life has got to be allowed to continue even after the dream of life is--all--over....”

“I've got the guts to die. What I want to know is, have you got the guts to live?”

“I hope to die in my sleep, when the time comes, and I hope it will be in the beautiful big brass bed in my New Orleans apartment, the bed which is associated with so much love.”

“Yes, I have tricks in my pocket, I have things up my sleeve. But I am the opposite of a stage magician. He gives you illusion that has the appearance of truth. I give you truth in the pleasant disguise of illusion.”

“How long does it have to go on? This punishment? Haven't I done time enough, haven't I served my term? can't I apply for a-pardon?”

“Nobody knew my rose of the world but me... I had too much glory. They don't want glory like that in nobody's heart”