I think it's important, if you are an artist, to use your music to stand up for what you believe in.

Songwriting is a very mysterious process. It feels like creating something from nothing. It's something I don't feel like I really control.

I found myself in the middle of a race riot when I was about 14 years old, and I found someone pointing a gun at me and telling me to run or they'd shoot me.

Now love's the only thing that's free /We must take it where it's found /Pretty soon it may be costly

Consume more than you need This is the dream Make you pauper Or make you queen I won't die lonely I'll have it all prearranged A grave that's deep and wide enough For me and all my mountains o'things

Love's a recurring theme through my work.

You have to pay attention to the moment and make it the best it can be for you. I've been trying to do that. It's really made a major difference for me. I'm a happier person.