To me religion is a deeply personal thing in which man and God go it alone together, without the witch doctor in the middle. The witch doctor tries to convince us that we have to ask God for help, to spell out to him what we need, even to bribe him with prayer or cash on the line.

If you can make it there, you'll make it anywhere; it's up to you, New York, New York.

For years I've nursed a secret desire to spend the Fourth of July in a double hammock with a swingin' redheaded broad. But I could never find me a double hammock

What is the point of singing wonderful lyrics if the audience can't understand what is being said or heard?

It is Billie Holiday who was, and still remains, the greatest single musical influence on me.

You only live once, and the way I live, once is enough.

I'm supposed to have a Ph.D. on the subject of women.