I've always littered my songs with jokes. You might need to dig a little deeper to find the humor, but I would totally object to being some kind of distraught personality. I've never tried to attach myself to that.

I don't think I'm even a musician. I don't play a lot of instruments, not really a soloist or anything.

To me, craft work is the ultimate. Maybe I got this idea from the autobiography of Benvenuto Cellini, who was employed as a sculptor to the state and church, making coins and things. While he admired Michelangelo, he also made fun of his spiritual angst with art.

Lyrics are my racket; music is play - the fluff stuff.

Dead men always have the last laugh. They win. They're dead. You can't hurt their feelings anymore.

I don't like the word "happy." I wouldn't want to use it that context. I enjoy writing songs, it's a really good challenge, it tickles me. It's a wonderful way to engage with your surroundings, through poetry and songs.

Folk art has never been much about politics; it's about action and utility.