I write the songs, go in and record them, then I listen to everything and decide how it all fits together.

I write first for myself as a therapeutic process, to get stuff out and to deal with it.

I'm not just a doormat. I'm not just being stepped on all over the place. If you look at the bulk of my material, it's about trying to find some strength through that.

I'm just like everyone. I like to feel togetherness with someone.

Sade's stuff is real deceptive. She's got stuff about prostitutes, poverty and people on the streets.

Any time there's a major change, whether it's going into a relationship, getting out of a relationship, moving to a new city, a death - that usually provides a catalyst for an explosion of creativity.

I'm pretty much the same person I was 20 years ago. My politics haven't changed. I have the same feeling of idealism. But I am a little bit wiser and more experienced.