I'm used to writing songs and songs-I can fill em up with symbolism and metaphors. When you write a book (Chronicles, Vol. 1), you gotta tell the truth, and it can't be misinterpreted.

I can picture the color of the song, or the shape of it, or who it is that I'm trying to appeal to, in the song, and what I'm trying to, almost, reinforce my feelings for. And I know that sounds sort of vague and abstract, but I've got a handle on it when I'm doing it.

A song is like a dream, and you try to make it come true. They're like strange countries that you have to enter.

You learn from a conglomeration of the incredible past - whatever experience gotten in any way whatsoever.

It takes a lot to laugh, it takes a train to cry

Sometimes you just have to bite your upper lip and put sunglasses on.

I think of rock 'n' roll as a combination of country blues and swing band music, not Chicago blues, and modern pop.