My intellect has always been more responsible than my emotions for how I respond to the world.

My mother wanted me to understand that as a woman I could do pretty much whatever I wanted to, that I didn't have to use sex or sexuality to define myself.

I still feel conflicted because I don't always get to spend as much time with my daughter as I'd like, given my work.

I think that if you have a strong narrative, if the idea of the song can be boiled down to the basics, it won't change that much.

The first song I wrote was the first song I remember thinking, "Well, maybe I can do something here." The very first one. By the second one I knew I could do something.

And I really wanted a driver's license. I was 43, had my learner's permit and had failed the test once already - but that was in Riverhead, on Long Island.

I always thought that if I was popular I must be doing something wrong.