One of the things that I try to be conscious about in crafting a song is the concept of bringing it home. I like to bring it somewhere familiar, someplace that people feel it's resolved, it's settled.

I'm a songwriter first.

I think Madonna has a great deal of intelligence and capability. I have a lot of respect for her. She's taken her career and maximized it with intelligence and creativity.

I just want to give it all that I got. I just don't want to waste it.

Sometimes I get a lyric, and the lyric, you know, comes off the page, and goes into my brain and comes out with a melody. Other times, I may create a melody first.

My life has been a tapestry of rich and royal hue, an everlasting vision of the ever changing view.

Eric Clapton is my dream guitarist.