All you can do is show people...You tell stories that are true and compelling.

I think that, when you're writing your songs, there's always a debate about whether, is that you in the song? Is it not you in the song?

I always felt that the musician's job was to provide an alternative source of information.

Anyone who's grown up or lived on the Jersey Shore knows the place is unique.

The only thing I can say about having this type of success is that you can get yourself in trouble because basically the world is set open for you. People will say yes to anything you ask, so it's basically down to you and what you want or need.

I'm interested in what it means to be an American. I'm interested in what it means to live in America. I'm interested in the kind of country that we live in and leave our kids. I'm interested in trying to define what that country is.

Someday we'll look back on this and it will all seem funny.