I began thinking there should be an American phrase book, ’cause I’ve got an Italian phrase book, and an Arabic one… now a British one. I think it’d be pretty good to have an American phrase book.

Meaning of the quote

Joe Strummer, an English musician, thought it would be useful to have a special book that teaches people how to speak like an American. He already had books that taught him how to speak in Italian and Arabic. He also had a book that taught him how to speak like someone from Britain. Strummer thought it would be a good idea to have a similar book that could teach people how to speak like an American.

About Joe Strummer

Joe Strummer, the co-founder, lyricist, rhythm guitarist, and lead vocalist of the iconic punk rock band The Clash, was a true musical pioneer. His explosive political lyrics, musical experimentation, and rebellious attitude greatly influenced the alternative rock scene. Beyond The Clash, Strummer had an eclectic career, exploring acting, scoring, and radio hosting, cementing his legacy as a multifaceted artist.

More about the author

More quotes from Joe Strummer

I have a weird life because I live on songwriting royalties, which are a strange income. Sometimes it rains, sometimes it doesn’t.

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I think we’re going to have to forget about the radio and just go back to word of mouth.

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What I like about playing America is you can be pretty sure you’re not going to get hit with a full can of beer when you’re singing and I really enjoy that!

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When you blame yourself, you learn from it. If you blame someone else, you don’t learn nothing, cause hey, it’s not your fault, it’s his fault, over there.

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Anyway, it’s good to be sent back to the underground. There’s always a good side to bad things and the good side to this is that at least everyone has to go back down.

Joe Strummer

British singer, musician and songwriter (1952-2002)

Yeah, all those things, responsibility, pressure. It’s a bit stressful. I try and come to terms with it by not thinking about it.

Joe Strummer

British singer, musician and songwriter (1952-2002)

I began thinking there should be an American phrase book, ’cause I’ve got an Italian phrase book, and an Arabic one… now a British one. I think it’d be pretty good to have an American phrase book.

Joe Strummer

British singer, musician and songwriter (1952-2002)