I wanted to emulate Bob Flanagan, the high voice in the 'Four Freshmen.' I wanted to sing high like he did.

I sit and I write automatically. I don't really try to write. My subconscious mind takes over and writes the songs for me. Songs come very easily for me. When I'm inspired, it takes me 20 minutes to write a song.

If there's not love present, it's much, much harder to function. When there's love present, it's easier to deal with life.

If you're going to write a song, try to get together with a collaborator because it's better to write with collaborators.

The Beatles, the Rolling Stones and Phil Spector. Those were my idols.

All of the artists did such a beautiful job I can’t thank them enough. I’m just honored that 'God Only Knows' was chosen. 'God Only Knows' is a very special song. An extremely spiritual song and one of the best I’ve ever written.

I'd earned over a million dollars by the time I was old enough to vote.