There's this whole idea that you've got the blues and you're going to write. Bullshit. When I feel really bad, all I want to do is sit in front of the TV with the remote control and check out.

What I do as a songwriter is a constant force in my life, that I'm grateful to have.

I grew up in a very literate, very independent household where people spoke their ideas and were very supportive of helping each other find their own way

The more I separate myself from my upbringing, the more I appreciate what it's done for me.

Believe it or not, people went so far as to suggest that I might not be able to write songs anymore because now I am married. I tried to explain again that there are other things to write about besides boy meets girl, girl meets boy, boy breaks up with girl, girl is sad.

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

Back in the 1960s, I saw Peter, Paul and Mary. I was at that age, about 14, and I was mesmerized.