My philosophy on writing a song for myself is that I always, always, always want to write a song. I always want to write a song. I realize that as a record producer or a singer or whatever I might not, if I recorded on myself or someone else, the first time out I might not give it the right treatment, so that the world or many people will accept it and it'll be a public hit, or anything like that.

Songwriting is my gift from God

If some of those people who wanted to ban Beethoven's music could hear the music that's being played today, wow, what would they do, man?

People say I'm the life of the party Because I tell a joke or two Although I might be laughing loud and hearty Deep inside I'm blue So take a good look at my face You'll see my smile looks out of place If you look closer, it's easy to trace The tracks of my tears.

When you write a song, a song has longevity

Once you're a Motown artist, you're always a Motown artist

Once you're a Motown artist, that's your stigmatism, and I was there from the very first day