Shel Silverstein Quotes

A collection of quotes by Shel Silverstein.

Shel Silverstein (1930-1999) was an American writer, poet, and illustrator known for his whimsical and imaginative works. Born in Chicago, Illinois, Silverstein began his career as a cartoonist for publications like Playboy and The Pacific Stars and Stripes. He gained widespread recognition with his children's books, including "The Giving Tree" and "Where the Sidewalk Ends," which became beloved classics. Silverstein's unique blend of humor, wit, and profound insights touched the hearts of readers of all ages. His creative contributions continue to inspire and entertain generations even after his passing.

Listen to the mustn'ts, child. Listen to the don'ts. Listen

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.

Shel Silverstein


And the tree was happy

And the tree was happy

Shel Silverstein

Life Love

Ricky was L but he's home with the flu,Lizzie, our O, had so

Ricky was L but he's home with the flu,Lizzie, our O, had some homework to do,Mitchell, E prob'ly got lost on the way,So I'm all of the love that could make it today.

Shel Silverstein

Love Cute

All The Woulda-Coulda-ShouldasLayin' In The Sun,Talkin' 'Bou

All The Woulda-Coulda-ShouldasLayin' In The Sun,Talkin' 'Bout The ThingsThey Woulda-Coulda-Shoulda Done...But All Those Woulda-Coulda-ShouldasAll Ran Away And HidFrom One Little Did.

Shel Silverstein

Inspirational

How many slams in an old screen door? Depends how loud you s

How many slams in an old screen door? Depends how loud you shut it. How many slices in a bread? Depends how thin you cut it. How much good inside a day? Depends how good you live 'em. How much love inside a friend? Depends how much you give 'em.

Shel Silverstein

Life Love Friendship Friend Good Day How Many How Much Live Well

Just Me, Just MeSweet Marie, she loves just me(She also love

Just Me, Just MeSweet Marie, she loves just me(She also loves Maurice McGhee).No she don't, she loves just me(She also loves Louise Dupree).No she don't, she loves just me(She also loves the willow tree).No she don't, she loves just me!(Poor, poor fool, why can't you seeShe can love others and still love thee.)

Shel Silverstein

Love

If you have to dry the dishes (Such an awful boring chore)If

If you have to dry the dishes (Such an awful boring chore)If you have to dry the dishes('Stead of going to the store)If you have to dry the dishesAnd you drop one on the floorMaybe they won't let youDry the dishes anymore

Shel Silverstein

Inspirational

Listen to the mustn'ts child.Listen to the don'ts.Listen to

Listen to the mustn'ts child.Listen to the don'ts.Listen to the shouldn't haves, the impossibles, the won'ts.Listen to the never haves, then listen close to me.Anything can happen child.Anything can be.

Shel Silverstein

Opportunity

To me, freedom entitles you to do something, not to not do s

To me, freedom entitles you to do something, not to not do something.

Shel Silverstein

Freedom

Oh the thumb-sucker's thumbMay look wrinkled and wetAnd with

Oh the thumb-sucker's thumbMay look wrinkled and wetAnd withered, and white as the snow,But the taste of a thumbIs the sweetest taste yet(As only we thumb-sucker's know).

Shel Silverstein

Habits

Draw a crazy picture,Write a nutty poem,Sing a mumble-gumble

Draw a crazy picture,Write a nutty poem,Sing a mumble-gumble song,Whistle through your comb.Do a loony-goony dance'Cross the kitchen floor,Put something silly in the worldThat ain't been there before.

Shel Silverstein

Poetry

Stand-up comics reflect less of a visual humor and more of a

Stand-up comics reflect less of a visual humor and more of a commentary.

Shel Silverstein

Humor

He has the obligation to society that any human being has. I

He has the obligation to society that any human being has. I don't think a satirist has any greater obligation to society than a bricklayer or anybody else.

Shel Silverstein

Society

I will not play tug o' war. I'd rather play hug o' war. Wher

I will not play tug o' war. I'd rather play hug o' war. Where everyone hugs instead of tugs, Where everyone giggles and rolls on the rug, Where everyone kisses, and everyone grins, and everyone cuddles, and everyone wins.

Shel Silverstein

War

Tell me I'm clever, Tell me I'm kind, Tell me I'm talented,

Tell me I'm clever, Tell me I'm kind, Tell me I'm talented, Tell me I'm cute, Tell me I'm sensitive, Graceful and wise, Tell me I'm perfect - But tell me the truth.

Shel Silverstein

Truth