“If I got rid of my demons, I’d lose my angels.”

—  Tennessee Williams

Source: Conversations with Tennessee Williams

Last update March 15, 2025. History

Help us to complete the source, original and additional information

Do you have more details about the quote "If I got rid of my demons, I’d lose my angels." by Tennessee Williams?
Tennessee Williams photo
Tennessee Williams139
American playwright 1911–1983

Related quotes

“Dark Angel, with thine aching lust
To rid the world of penitence:
Malicious Angel, who still dost
My soul such subtile violence!”

Lionel Johnson (1867–1902) English poet

The Dark Angel (1895)

Jim Butcher photo

“I’d gone with my usual option. I was running through long tunnels filled with demons and monsters and nightmares, because it was easier than going to the gym.”

Jim Butcher book Skin Game

Source: Skin Game

Pete Doherty photo

“There are three things that I know a bit about in my life and that's QPR, my guitar and drugs. I know QPR are the best football team in the world, my guitar is the most beautiful thing I own and that I don't take enough drugs to kill me. It isnt drugs that I need to get rid of; it's the demons that fill my head. Once I have come to terms with my demons, maybe I'll be able to get clean.”

Pete Doherty (1979) English musician, writer, actor, poet and artist

Definitions and objects

Jay-Z photo

“I’ve got demons in my past so I’ve got daughters on the way,
If the prophecy is correct then the child should have to pay,
For the sins of the father so I barter my tomorrows against my yesterday’s
In hopes that she’ll be okay”

Jay-Z (1969) American rapper, businessman, entrepreneur, record executive, songwriter, record producer and investor

"Beach Chair"
The Black Album (2003)

Joni Mitchell photo

“Chase away the demons, and they will take the angels with them.”

Joni Mitchell (1943) Canadian musician

Dan Brown photo

“Angels and demons were identical--interchangeable archetypes--all a matter of polarity. The guardian angel who conquered your enemy in battle was perceived by your enemy as a demon destroyer.”

Dan Brown book The Lost Symbol

Source: The Lost Symbol

Madame de Pompadour photo

“One may tolerate a world of demons for the sake of an angel.”

Madame de Pompadour (1721–1764) chief mistress of Louis XV of France

Said while the French financial system was on the verge of collapse, as quoted in Dictionary of Phrase and Fable (1898) by E. Cobham Brewer. Brewer states that this was sometimes attributed to the Austrian statesman Klemens Wenzel von Metternich, but that he was probably simply quoting Madame de Pompadour.

Tom Waits photo

“If I exorcise my devils, well, my angels may leave too.”

Tom Waits (1949) American singer-songwriter and actor

"Please Call Me, Baby", The Heart of Saturday Night (1974).

Related topics