I was a guitar player on the streets of Asbury Park and already a member in good standing amongst those who lie in service of the truth - artists with a small A. But I held four clean aces. I had youth, almost a decade of hardcore bar band experience, a good group of homegrown musicians who were attuned to my performance style, and a story to tell.

Getting an audience is hard. Sustaining an audience is hard. It demands a consistency of thought, of purpose, and of action over a long period of time.

Your legs were heaven, your breasts were the alter, your body was the holy land.

What if what you do to survive kills the things you love?

Just sitting around waiting for my life to begin, while it was all just slipping away.

Me and crazy Janey were making love in the dirt singing our birthday songs.

Judge said, what you got in your defense son? Fifty-seven channels and nothing on.