Making a Christmas album is looked upon by some people as the thing you do when you are heading towards retirement.

I think the whole experience of being a human being on the planet is such a mystery, to be honest. Trying to figure out one's purpose and [asking] "What is it all about?"

Imagine living in abject poverty and not knowing anything other than that for generations. Or alternatively, imagine being born into a really wealthy family, but there was no real love. Everyone's living these extraordinary, interesting lives whether they know it or not.

I was never much of a one to win prizes... and certainly never placed too much value on their acquisition.

Music is a great vehicle for communications, and I have a certain platform. I have an opportunity and I have to take it.

Fundamentally, we are all in the same place: we're born, we live, and we're going to die. In between, we'll have joy and we'll have sadness.

I don't take myself as seriously as some people think, and I'd hate anyone to think I was preaching. That's the last thing I want.