Top 50 Vera Lynn Quotes

I miss the emotion of singing. There is something about it which means you can express emotions to people without actually talking to them.

I already am very satisfied by my career. It has been long, diverse and hugely rewarding.

I’ve liked country music for as long as I can remember, especially the songs of Dolly Parton. Her lyrics are similar to mine: simple, expressive, from the heart. Our voices are in the same kind of register, too.

There was so little said about the Burmese war. The Forgotten 14th, they called them.

Over many years, I have been a supporter of the National Trust and the vital work that they do in preserving our heritage and landscapes – long may this continue.

People used me, in a way, to achieve something, and I was glad of it. I was just doing my job.

I always took things very seriously. Always have done.

Perhaps it is no surprise I became an entertainer because many of my relatives were natural performers. Dad, who had a fine pair of lungs, was master of ceremonies at East Ham working men’s club in east London. I felt so proud when I saw him in his white gloves calling out the names of the dances.

You never know what’s going to happen en route to the airport or station and the last thing you want is to get there just as your train or plane is disappearing into the distance. Get there early, read a book, have a coffee and don’t get stressed.

I don’t listen to the radio. I’d rather watch the television.

I never thought that I would share a hit parade with the Beatles.

Seeing photographs of my dad, Bert, on the beach with a knotted handkerchief on his head to avoid getting sunburn still brings a smile to my face.

I think I have got a peculiar voice really, it neither one thing nor the other. It’s not a contralto and it’s not a mezzo soprano; it’s a nothing voice really.

England, through good times or bad, was the only place I wanted to be.

All young men should have a certain time in the Army, instead of going running around wild for a few years after school. They would learn discipline and they would learn a good trade. It would be a good opportunity.

I went goodness knows how long without a bath.

You’ve got to be nice to people when you’re on your way up, because you never know who you are going to meet on the way down.

No, I never sing in the bath. In fact, I’ve never even practised singing. I would only ever sing indoors if I had to learn a song with my pianist.

I didn’t have any more children because I couldn’t have continued working – and I was the main breadwinner. But although we are small in number, family life has always been hugely important to me.

I am exceptionally fond of all the brave servicemen and women who have worked, and continue to work, to keep us safe and secure, and protect our values.

I can never waste water. If I cannot drink it I will use it to water the plants and I will never waste food. If it is inedible it goes on the compost heap.

I did an audition for Henry Hall, a well-known dance man at the BBC, when I was about 15. I have lost the letter I was sent, but it said: ‘your voice is unsuitable for broadcasting.’

There is always something we can be concerned about. The secret is to rise above it and do whatever we can to make the world a better place.

I’m delighted people still enjoy my music all these years later.

I seem to have had quite a lot of pink dresses.

I don’t think the singers take it as seriously as we used to. The words, the meaning, the phrasing, the feeling of the song. They see the words, they know the tune and they just sing it.

We were a great family for singing. There were good voices on both sides and no reluctance to use them.

Make up your mind what you want to do, and go and get it. Make sure it is not at the expense of anyone else, though.

Basically, country is my kind of music – the simple melody, the simple lyrics.

Be active to your full capabilities.

I never, ever go to bed with make-up on; I always make sure I cleanse with Nivea Gentle Cleansing Cream Wash.

We have always been told not to open the door to strangers, especially because of the terrible things that could happen these days. I never have, unless they are expected and are friends or family.

I don’t know Robbie Williams. I know his name, but I’ve never met him.

When I started out, I was what they called corny. After a week in Nashville they were calling me hillbilly.

Certain people cause so many problems, not only to the running of the town and the country, but to people themselves.

Dover is part of England. It simply can’t be part of anywhere else.

Take each day as it comes and focus on the present moment.

Singing in the jungle was very hot and very sticky, which was a bit hard going. I had a little piano, which they trudged around on the back of a lorry, hoping it would survive the journeys.

I didn’t mind a bit of hardship.

My favourite hotel is the Hilton Hawaiian Village beach resort in Honolulu.

Dad, who worked as a plumber, was a quiet and undemanding man who liked to laugh – and he was a very good dancer.

Nostalgia is very powerful.

Mum worked for a London dressmaker before she married. When she was forced to give up work after her marriage, she carried on dressmaking for people at home.

You can’t have it all one way – be on the telly and the radio and make lots of money – and not offer anything to your followers when they need you.

I was born with a passion for music.

I’ve visited Holland plenty of times and always liked staying in the Hilton in Amsterdam.

When I look on my mantelpiece and see these cards wishing me a happy 100th birthday, I can’t believe it.

I have always managed to combine my family life and my career, but there came a point when I had to choose between a career in America and my family. I chose my family.

You know, your voice can only last for so long. It’s a muscle and when you get older it sort of fades away.

I try not to worry too much about anything any more, and enjoy every day as it comes.