Fame doesn't redeem you. It takes a long time to get there, and when you're finally there, you realise you still have authority figures telling you what to do.

I've always felt, even as a songwriter, that the rhythm of speech is in itself a language for me.

When I sing I don't feel like it's me. I feel I am fabulous, like I'm 10 feet tall. I am the greatest. I am the strongest. I am Samson. I'm whoever I want to be.

My mother said I was a little odd as a kid. I was alone a lot, but I didn't feel alone.

Where I come from, if you see your family and friends' civil rights being taken away, you speak up and do everything you can to keep that from happening!

My music is about a joyful experience. I've learned that if you can affect other people, you should.

I lose faith and I lose ground, but then I see you and remember unconditional love.