I don't believe in this business of being behind, better to be in front.

I've always loved songwriting, and I vowed to be a songwriter like Cole Porter when I was only 9 years old.

I only direct in self-defense.

The egg cream is psychologically the opposite of circumcision--it pleasurably reaffirms your Jewishness.

You cannot have fun with anything that you don't love or admire or respect.

Look, I had to take chances or it wasn't fun being funny.

I usually start with the words. The rhythm of the words gives me the rhythm of the song, and then I look for the musical highlights in it to carry it.