A biography for Johnny Paycheckhasn’t been written yet.
“Yeah, Paycheck's an outlaw. The pilgrims were outlaws, too, y'know. They wanted to do it their way. An outlaw is someone who believes in himself and doesn't give a damn what others think.”
“I've been lucky to have a good reputation with writers. My strongest suit is that of an interpreter, so it's important for me to get ahold of the best material available. It doesn't always come from Nashville either; there are guys all around the country hitting the nail on the head.”
“I love the outlaw image and I think the industry has needed it. It takes the artist off a pedestal and brings him down to the people's level.”
“Treat me right, and I will give you my all. Treat me wrong, and I will give you nothing.”
“Take Glen Campbell. Now, Glen's real soft. By that, I mean you put him on the street and he couldn't make it. But if you know that about him ahead of time, you don't hold it against him. In his heart, he's a good man. I like him.”
“I happen to think I'm a damn good singer and people come to see me sing, not because of my background.”
“I'm a man who believes that right is right and wrong is wrong.”
“I think 'Shove It' hit at a time when people felt trapped in a dull, day-to-day job and rather than express their dislike, they let my song do it for them.”
“I learned a lot about the educational system, and what not having it does to you.”
“I sing about the little guy who's been kicked around by the big guy. I like to sing about things that are universal and timeless. And I don't really care who likes them and who doesn't.”
“I do have a temper... me and millions of others.”
“The reason there are outlaws is they don't like to adopt standards They like to do things their way.”
“I like President Carter; I think he has done a good job considering all the things he's had to face.”
“This world is full of people that want you to do things their way, not necessarily the way you want to do it. I did things my way.”
“If you like me, you like me like I am.”
“There is a large difference in country music and outlaw music.”
“Streets is what make you tough, hard.”