I've always thought that a lot of really good writers go wrong by getting so into the craft and the technique and perfection. Perfection can be the enemy sometimes. Some songs don't need to be told perfectly. Life is messy and has loose ends, and sometimes I think the songs should reflect that.

I never want to be that guy spouting off my political views. I mean, they're pretty well known, and it certainly comes out.

I've always thought preaching to the converted is just kind of futile and silly.

A lot of the music that I grew up loving has a really political bent to it.

This time, we're living in such a crazy moment in history. People still write and talk about Watergate, which was such a huge, looming backdrop when I was coming of age and when I was a kid growing up. I think we're living in one of those times right now where, in 20 years, people will be writing and talking about it.

I dislike Bush as much as probably anybody on earth could, but having said that... It's not like I'm going to change anybody's mind.

I'm more interested in writing about the personal stories of people. Sometimes I don't agree with them.