I've never conceptualized much of what I write about. Maybe, once I'm onto something, I'll conceptualize a finished record. I want the songs to tie together and make sense together. I'm not like, "Oh, I want to explore this idea." That's just not how the creative process works for me. It's more like something strikes me, or finds me, and then I wrestle with it after that. I don't sit back in my armchair, like, "What kind of philosophy can I explore today?"
Conor OberstI understand why people get desensitized and roll their eyes when they hear a protest song, or even a politician making some flowery speech. It doesn't really change anything.
Conor OberstMy Brother went to college To become a doctor And if he studies hard enough He'll end up just like papa, who hates his life.
Conor OberstI went right from wunderkind to washed up. Old. Been around too long. That's just the way I feel. That's my internal dialogue.
Conor Oberst