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 love Emmylou Harris's version of my song, 'Sweet Old World.' Her intonation is great.

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

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

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

It's easier to write songs when you're single.

I started writing little short stories and poems as soon as I learned to read and write. I think I was six years old. And then when I got to be eleven, twelve, and into my teens, I was just listening to records all the time, and I got a guitar. I started to take guitar lessons when I was twelve.