When you're really bummed out, the last thing you want to hear is up-tempo and positive. And it lets you know that you're not alone, that somebody has hurt before. It works the same way with chick songs as it does with political songs. When you hear somebody singing about these things, you know that you're not alone, that somebody else is suspicious of what's going on around us in the world. So you don't feel like you're crazy, and you feel like you might be able to make a difference.

I think the criticism that I take to heart is from other writers that I respect.

Or you can be like the Soviet Union, start out with ideals, and end up ceasing to exist.

I love baseball. I'll probably end up one of those old farts who go to spring training in Florida every year and drive from game to game all day.

Every day on Earth is another chance to get it right.

I don't really think in terms of obstacles. My biggest obstacle is always myself.

Every leap forward that I make is by reaching back and firmly getting a footing in the past, and pushing forward as hard as I can.