I would get songs sung to me, like 'Old Man River, 'or kids would call me Mississippi and things like that. At the time, I wished I had a name that blended in more with my surroundings. Now, though, I've really learned to love it. From fifteen, I really liked it. It felt appropriate. Before that, I don't think it quite fitted me. I had to grow into it.

Music is a whole oasis in my head. The creation process is so personal and fulfilling.

I'm really normal. I play football, go to the beach, drive. We have dogs. I can imagine people calling me a character, but I'm Joe Straight.

I can’t on my own change the regime in South Africa or teach the Palestinians to learn to live with the Israelies, but I can start with me.

I would rather quit while I was ahead. There’s no need in overstaying your welcome.

I don't want to get so lost in thinking about me and talking about me all the time in interviews. It's so nice to unwind and just look at other things and get out of yourself. It's hard to detach myself from myself without neglecting myself. You know what I mean? I don't want to get in to the habit of thinking about my career because when it comes down to it, it's not really that important. I could die tomorrow and the world would go on.

Animals are not our playthings. We are on this earth to protect them. It's our duty.