I also don't believe that "everything happens for a reason," which is in a similar category of world-views.
Andrew BirdWell, my main instrument is violin, but I think of myself as a songwriter who happens to play violin.
Andrew BirdYou can build up expectations for a song before you record it, and then it's like nothing's good enough in the studio.
Andrew BirdPretty much any given day, barring some major distraction, I get melodies coming to me. Lyrics don't come quite as easily. So I've been inventing little projects and challenges to sort of kick my ass with the lyrics.
Andrew Bird