Gregory Corso used to get really pissed when people called Bob Dylan a 'poet.' After writing poetry for a few years, I can understand that.

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.

At home, I'm lucky if I can write three or four hours before the phone starts ringing and the kids want to go to soccer.

I do not believe Tony Blair was a fundamentally good man who went bad. I believe he was evil in the first place.

If I can get Me out of the way, I can do anything.

The drama teacher that I had in high school, back in Texas, was the only teacher who didn't kick me out of his class. He turned me on to 'The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan.' I had picked up Dylan with 'Bringing It All Back Home,' and he turned me on to the first couple of albums, which I hadn't heard.

I don't believe that songwriting has to be profound, but I truly believe that it's a crime for you to go outta your way for it not to be.