The songs are not necessarily autobiographical. A lot of songs are a combination of influences. It might be some part of my life, or something I've felt, or something somebody's told me. It all comes together.

I learn all these things about the record talking about it after it's finished.

After it's finished, sometimes I can trace a path that goes back to the possible source of inspiration.

It's time to start all over/make a new beginning.

Have faith in humankind a respect for what is earthly and an unfaltering belief in peace and understanding

Growing up in Cleveland, I learned about singing from my mother, who had once sung professionally and who admired Mahalia Jackson and Aretha Franklin.

I end up writing about all kinds of things. I never make an attempt to write about anything in particular. I don't have a little list of topics to write about.