Quotes by Anita Baker

Applause felt like approval, and it became a drug that soothed the pain, but only temporarily.

At home I'm relaxed. I may be in the yard talking to neighbors, or riding my bike, or fishing, making up the bed-and things just come to me. I'll hum a melody, and if it feels real good, I'll play it on the piano and put it on tape, and then develop it later. The music speaks words to me.

Completeness? Happiness? These words don't come close to describing my emotions. There truly is nothing I can say to capture what motherhood means to me, particularly given my medical history.

I don't let people use me. That's why I like a small number of people in my life. The more people in my life, the more complex it becomes, so I just try to keep it at a minimum.

I would say that my peak was making my first million at the ripe age of 29, after the first album.

I'm picking and choosing in terms of the stress factor. If it's not fun, I'm not going to do it.

If you understand a person's origins, you can understand her. I've always had to take care of myself. I couldn't just be that sweet little girl who kept her mouth shut. Had I done that, I'd be long gone by now. In this business, an African-American woman has to protect herself because precious few will.

My mother only called when she wanted things. She doesn't know me, so how could she have a feeling for me? Still, I see her each time I pass a mirror. The resemblance shocks me. Someday I'll go back to make a new stab at a relationship, but not yet. Happily, her approval is no longer necessary. No one's is. I'm no longer driven to prove I'm worthy. That war is over, even if there are still days when I have to do battle.

We don't do drugs, drink or use profanity. Instead we instill morals and values in my boys by raising them with a love of God and a love and respect for themselves and all people. I believe they will have a chance.

You leave home to seek your fortune and, when you get it, you go home and share it with your family.