Tonight, tonight, won't be just any night. Tonight there will be no morning star.
Stephen SondheimRead
Careful the spell you cast, not just on children. Sometimes the spell may last Past what you can see And turn against you... Careful the tale you tell. That is the spell.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Be mindful of the words and influences you share, as they can have lasting effects beyond your immediate perception.
This quote by Stephen Sondheim emphasizes the importance of the narratives we create and the impact of our words, particularly on impressionable minds. It serves as a reminder that what we communicate can resonate beyond our control, potentially shaping the thoughts, beliefs, and behaviors of others in unforeseen ways, making it crucial to approach storytelling and expression with care and responsibility.
Themes
WordsInfluenceStorytellingImpactResponsibility
In practice
Example use cases
In a workshop about effective communication, one might reference this quote to highlight the importance of thoughtful language.
More from Stephen Sondheim
All quotes →After the Rodgers and Hammerstein revolution, songs became part of the story, as opposed to just entertainments in between comedy scenes.
Stephen SondheimRead
Musical comedies aren't written, they are rewritten.
Stephen SondheimRead
Let Pirelli's / Miracle Elixir / Activate your roots, sir... Keep it off your boots, sir- / Eats right through. Yes, get Pirelli's! / Use a bottle of it! / Ladies seem to love it... Flies do, too!
Stephen SondheimRead
Art, in itself, is an attempt to bring order out of chaos.
Stephen SondheimRead
Swing your razor wide! Sweeney, hold it to the skies!
Stephen SondheimRead
Similar quotes
Don't tell your problems to people: eighty percent don't care; and the other twenty percent are glad you have them.
Lou HoltzRead
Watch your thoughts for they become words. Watch your words for they become actions. Watch your actions for they become habits. Watch your habits for they become your character. And watch your character for it becomes your destiny. What we think, we become. My father always said that... and I think I am fine.
Margaret ThatcherRead
Endurance is nobler than strength, and patience than beauty.
John RuskinRead
Truth always originates in a minority of one, and every custom begins as a broken precedent.
Will DurantRead
If you live for people’s acceptance you will die from their rejection.
LecraeRead
Avoid him who talks sweetly before you but tries to ruin you behind your back, for he is like a pitcher of poison with milk on top.
ChanakyaRead