We were always in the shadows of the stuff that was getting more attention. So people learned to listen to us slowly over time. And, frankly, we learned how to listen to ourselves. It takes us a long time to write a song that we all really like, so it makes sense that it would take a while for the listener to get there, too.

I don't want somebody telling my daughter who she can marry, or what she can do with her body. That's what was at stake.

Not all the songs are real events, but I do write about stuff that is close to my heart and it comes out one way or another.

Maybe because I have spent too much of my life in rock clubs. I don't really go to parties anymore either. I'll usually be in the bus by 11:30 after a show.

A different drumbeat or some vocal overdub could completely transform the song.

Once you do have a child you want to talk about every detail of it. And it is really boring to all your friends and it should be.

Trying to make it and get people to respect your band, being a cool band-all of that stuff-I think we've arrived at a place where we have kids and everything is in perspective and it doesn't matter.