I get criticized for a lot of what I write about, but as far as I'm concerned I'm actually standing up and having a look at what goes on in the minds of men, and I have the authority to talk about it because I'm a man.

My music has to do with beauty, and it's intended to, if not lift the spirits, then be a kind of a balm to the spirits.

Sorrow's child grieves not what has passed, but all the past still yet to come.

I'm not saying this in a condescending kind of way, but it's quite simple: The making of America was a heroic thing. Australia has a much murkier, much more complex view of its history. It's just full of all these open wounds we don't really know what to do with.

I always thought my records were number one; it's just the charts didn't think so.

I've always hated narrative songs. I hate those songs where, basically, it's an unfolding of a story.

It's a wonderful life if you can find it.