Billy Rose was a showman, lyricist, and producer who left behind a treasure trove of witty, insightful, and sometimes brutally honest quotes. His words still resonate today, packed with humor, wisdom, and a no-nonsense perspective on life. Whether you’re looking for motivation, a laugh, or a fresh way to see things, Billy Rose’s quotes deliver.
Here’s a collection of his best sayings—organized for easy reading and packed with timeless advice.
Life Lessons from Billy Rose
Billy had a knack for cutting through the noise. His quotes on life are sharp, funny, and full of truth.
🔹 “Don’t let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game.”
🔹 “The only thing that overcomes hard luck is hard work.”
🔹 “You’ve got to get up every morning with determination if you’re going to go to bed with satisfaction.”
🔹 “Success is getting what you want. Happiness is wanting what you get.”
🔹 “The toughest thing about success is that you’ve got to keep on being a success.”
Ever feel like life’s throwing too much at you? Billy’s advice? Keep pushing.
On Love & Relationships
Billy Rose didn’t sugarcoat romance. His take on love was refreshingly real.
🔹 “Love is like a war: Easy to start, hard to end.”
🔹 “A man is not old until regrets take the place of dreams.”
🔹 “The best way to remember your wife’s birthday is to forget it once.”
🔹 “Marriage is like a bank account. You put it in, you take it out, you lose interest.”
🔹 “Falling in love is easy. Staying in love is the real challenge.”
Love isn’t always roses—sometimes it’s thorns. But that’s what makes it real.
Wisdom on Success & Hard Work
Billy knew success wasn’t handed out—it was earned. His quotes on ambition still hit hard.
🔹 “Opportunity doesn’t knock—it presents itself when you beat down the door.”
🔹 “The elevator to success is out of order. You’ll have to use the stairs—one step at a time.”
🔹 “If you think you can, you can. If you think you can’t, you’re right.”
🔹 “The harder I work, the luckier I get.”
🔹 “Success is a lousy teacher. It makes smart people think they can’t lose.”
Want success? Stop waiting for luck. Start working.
Humor & Sharp Observations
Billy’s wit was legendary. His one-liners could make you laugh and think at the same time.
🔹 “I’d rather be a failure at something I love than a success at something I hate.”
🔹 “The only time to eat diet food is while you’re waiting for the steak to cook.”
🔹 “Money can’t buy happiness, but it can make misery a lot more comfortable.”
🔹 “The secret of staying young is to live honestly, eat slowly, and lie about your age.”
🔹 “A bore is someone who talks when you wish they’d listen.”
Life’s too short to take everything seriously. Sometimes, you just need a good laugh.
On Persistence & Resilience
Billy Rose didn’t believe in giving up. His words on persistence are pure fuel for tough times.
🔹 “It’s not whether you get knocked down—it’s whether you get back up.”
🔹 “The difference between a stumbling block and a stepping stone is how you use it.”
🔹 “You can’t have a better tomorrow if you’re still thinking about yesterday.”
🔹 “The road to success is always under construction.”
🔹 “If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again. Then quit. No use being a fool about it.”
Bad day? Brush it off. Tomorrow’s another shot.
Final Thoughts
Billy Rose’s quotes are a mix of humor, grit, and wisdom. They remind us to work hard, laugh often, and keep moving forward.
Which quote hit home for you? Drop it in the comments—let’s keep the conversation going! 🚀