You have to live what you write, or you have to know it. There are exceptions, like story songs, where you just have to have your facts straight. But I think you don't have to live a hard life to be a good or interesting songwriter.

I try and eat good. On the road, that's next to impossible. And we eat a lot of unhealthy things when we're in Texas - that's what you do there.

There's a certain urgency that comes from the records of the early 60s before overdubbing and multitracking came into play.

I think that it's the job of the artist to be in transition and constantly learn more.

I know I'm never going to be a big pop star, because I'm not willing to conform.

It's nice coming to Nashville, and we have four-bedroom house and a dog, and we go swimming a lot. We get down here and spread out a lot, and I miss my sweet tea and my cornbread and my good southern cooking - but I'm down here eating pretty for two weeks and I'm ready to go back to New York City.

My parents split up when I was about 2. I realize more and more how much I'm like my father. My gentleness comes from my mother.