I think that these are different times, and different things are available to artists, and certain things have become passé. You've already seen the outcome of a lot of things that seemed to have a lot of potential. We've already heard that, and I can't tell you if it made a difference or not. But we already know that artists can do that, and they shouldn't feel threatened by doing it. They're probably not going to change the world. They're going to change a few people's perspectives and maybe make somebody's day at times, if they can.

I'm realistic. Getting to everybody is not the goal here. The people you can affect in any way - that's who you want to get to.

Music is something I really have a need to do - I don't seem to be able to stop

Its a little gross to put yourself in every song. I mean, how interesting do people really think you are?

A guilty conscience means at least you have one.

The songs I write should only be gauged by what other writers or peers are doing today. If the barometer for all songwriters was to match his body of work, then anyone you might mention alive or dead is a failure. But I've learned to not be too hung up on what's fair or not fair.

Tolerance can lead to learning something.