So I believe in singing to such an extent that if I were asked to redesign the British educational system, I would start by insisting that group singing become a central part of the daily routine. I believe it builds character and, more than anything else, encourages a taste for co-operation with others. This seems to be about the most important thing a school could do for you.

Of course, like anybody I repeat myself endlessly, but I don't know that I'm doing it, usually.

I think very often producers are really trying to repeat things. When they hear something in the new songs that they recognize as being a bit like something that was a success on a previous record, they're inclined to encourage that.

Look closely at the most embarrassing details, and amplify them.

I have lived in countries that were coming out of conflict: Ireland, South Africa, the Czech republic. People there are overflowing with energy.

It's actually very easy for democracy to disappear.

Try to make things that can become better in other people’s minds than they were in yours.