The hardest song to write is a protest song, a topical song with meaning.

Some people don't even notice. "Oh, you sound exactly like you did!" And I say, "OK, if that's what you want to believe, that's fine."

I was addicted to rhythm 'n' blues pretty much directly into folk music. I had my little 45s of mostly black artists. That was as close as I got. I've never listened to heavy rock or stuff that jangles my nerves, because I'm already jangled.

Action is the antidote to despair.

My life is a crystal teardrop. There are snowflakes falling in the teardrop and little figures trudging in slow motion.

The search is in the doing.

If you're gonna sing meaningful songs, you have to be committed to living a life that backs that up.