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.

I mean, whose songs don't focus on tragedy and loss?

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

I guess you could write a good song if your heart hadn't been broken, but I don't know of anyone whose heart hasn't been broken.

I didn't grow up in a mom-and-pop, Ozzie and Harriet type of environment, but who did.

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

I'm dealing with things as they come along, and I'm talking about it