I don't want to make a record like in the '50s or the '60s or the '70s. I want to make a record like today, that`s right now.

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.

We struggled together, and sometimes, we struggled with one another... We took care of one another... In the end, we kept faith in each other.

No, I always felt that amongst my core fans- because there was a level of popularity that I had in the mid '80s that was sort of a bump on the scale- they fundamentally understood the values that are at work in my work.

So tell me what I see when I look in your eyes, is that you baby or just a brilliant disguise?

The first day I can remember looking into a mirror and being able to stand what I saw was the day I had a guitar in my hand.

Sometimes I do an automatic songs, songs that you don't really think about, or work on. You just look back and it sorta surprises you.