Writing is a form of mischief.

Lyrics have to be underwritten. That's why poets generally make poor lyric writers because the language is too rich. You get drowned in it.

For me it's more fun to find an unexpected moment for a character to sing when you don't expect them to.

TODD: The history of the world, my love -- LOVETT: Save a lot of graves, Do a lot of relatives favors! TODD: Is those below serving those up above! LOVETT: Ev'rybody shaves, So there should be plenty of flavors! TODD: How gratifying for once to know BOTH: That those above will serve those down below!

Every day a little death.

I fell into lyric writing because of music. I backed into it.

You move just a finger, say the slightest word, something's bound to linger-be heard.