I always wanted to be somebody, but now I realize I should… — Lily Tomlin | Printable Wall Art

“I always wanted to be somebody, but now I realize I should have been more specific.”

Words by Lily Tomlin (b. 1939) — American comedian and actress.

About this quote

This line pokes fun at vague ambition and the modern desire for fame or success without a clear direction. Wanting to be somebody is a common human wish to feel important or recognised. However, without defining what kind of person to become, one might achieve recognition in unexpected or unwelcome ways. It uses self-deprecating humour to highlight the value of clear personal goals.

This observation was popularised by American comedian Lily Tomlin in her stand-up routines and writings during the late twentieth century. It became one of her signature lines, frequently quoted in collections of modern American humour.

People often hang this in a home office or hallway for a light-hearted reminder to set clear goals.

What you get

An instant digital download. Choose your design and size at checkout — 18 typographic designs and 8 print sizes are available for this quote.

• Print-ready PDF with fully embedded vector type — sharp at any scale
• Exact trim size, no cropping required
• Print at home, at a local print shop, or upload to an online printer
• Instant download — no physical item is shipped

Sizes available

5" x 7" · 8" x 10" · 11" x 14" · 12" x 16" · 16" x 20" · 18" x 24" · 24" x 36" · A4 (21 x 29.7 cm)

Designs available

Atelier Serif · Quiet Garamond · Studio Left · Gallery Rule · Midnight Serif · Editorial Left Serif · Modern Sans Calm · Letterpress Caps · Poster Condensed · Manuscript Italic · Asymmetric Left · Minimal Unsigned · Charcoal Sans · Gallery Frame · Soft Serif Right · Statement Serif · Tracked Caps Unsigned · Editorial Justified

Digital product. Colours may vary slightly between screens and printers. Frames and props are not included.