I miss working. It's real, you know? But I don't know anything but songwriting, and I don't even know that. I didn't go to school; the only thing I know how to do is this. The only thing that I know is that I know nothing.

Even if I'm writing music, it's with a lyric in mind, to communicate some kind of feeling.

I took piano lessons when I was a little kid, but even before that, you're singing in the classroom and wherever. Gosh, children are always singing. But I took music lessons, some choir and things like that at school. I learned how to play the guitar when I was about 13... ancient history.

When I'm trying to write a song for someone else, you can only see anything through your own eyes.

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.

Music is the marriage of the feelings of the living to the wisdom of the dead.

Once biographical information contaminates your consciousness, it's impossible to erase it and look at someone's work the same way again.