All these poses of classical torture ruined my mind like a snake in the orchard. I did go from wanting to be someone, now I'm drunk and wearing flip-flops on Fifth Avenue.

There's no life without humour. It can make the wonderful moments of life truly glorious, and it can make tragic moments bearable.

A diaper is as inspiring as a drink.

When it comes to sitting down and composing, there is no hesitation, no concern, no critics breathing fire down my neck. For me, writing a song is the purest part of all. No one can mess with that.

My mother and father could not handle even me being gay. We never talked about it really.

Growing up, for years and years I had no idea what the plots of operas were, and that's part of what fascinated me - I could make them up and learn bits and pieces of what was going on over time. There's something about it being always a step away that makes it more fun to chase.

I've developed into quite a swan. I'm one of those people that will probably look better and better as I get older - until I drop dead of beauty.