Most playwrights go wrong on the fifth word. When you start a play and you type 'Act one, scene one,' your writing is every bit as good as Arthur Mil…

- Meredith Willson

The coward dies a thousand deaths — the brave man only 500.

- Meredith Willson

You pile up enough tomorrows and you'll be left with nothing but a bunch of empty yesterdays. I don't know about you, but I'd like to make today wort…

- Meredith Willson

Regarding The Music Man, Jay Nordlinger wrote: The Music Man (for which Willson also wrote the lyrics) is an astonishing creation. It came in a spurt…

- Meredith Willson

I haven't seen Iowa people get so excited since the night Frank Gotch and Strangler Lewis lay on the mat for three and a half hours without moving a …

- Meredith Willson

Speaking of River City in The Music Man & his home town, Mason City, Iowa: I didn't have to make up anything. I simply remembered Mason City as close…

- Meredith Willson

Never let the demands of tomorrow interfere with the pleasures and excitement of today.

- Meredith Willson

There were birds in the sky, but I never saw them winging, No I never saw them at all, Until there was you.

- Meredith Willson

A man can't turn tail and run just because a little personal risk is involved. What did Shakespeare say? "Cowards die a thousand deaths, the brave ma…

- Meredith Willson