I grew up in the early '70s in New England.

Each member does whatever they want with the song and it totally changes it from whatever idea I hear around it. It turns it into a Sonic Youth song and completely away from it being a solo song.

Lyric writing is an interesting process in Sonic Youth. There's three people writing now, and we've all had a lot of interest and involvement with expression through words

Buddhism has become a socially recognized religious philosophy for Americans, whereas it used to be considered an exotic religion.

I certainly don't sit around in the morning making pancakes listening to Whitehouse or anything.

I never go back and listen to the recorded document. The thrill comes when the balance can be attained. Everyone in the room can have a shared, communal rock experience.

Rock'n'roll saved my soul.

Every now and again, the alternative culture is cherished by the mainstream for what it is, rather than how it should be, like the mainstream popular music.

I have to reign myself in a lot.

Hits are for squares.

I never do releases to try and make or break some contemporary band.

In the end, if we don't have God we don't have anything other than an end.

Because of language, the thoughts we record today might reach into the future to influence the thinking of people not yet born.

Depression is like war. You either win or you die trying. There's no in between.

The smart business person sees an opportunity to generate referrals by collaborating with their competitors.

America was founded by the refuse of the religious fanatics of England, these undesirable elements that came over on the Mayflower. Ignorant, religious fanatics who land here and abuse the Indians.

I never force myself to be devout except when I feel so inspired, and never compose hymns of prayers unless I feel within me real and true devotion.

When I look at myself, I'd like not to have hair on the top of the ceiling.

In working out our callings, we are to perform for one audience, the audience of One.

The Islamic world is obsessed with the notion of strong leaders. This is a mistake. We don't need powerful leaders, but rather unconventional, progressive thinkers with the courage to open our minds.

She dreams of him that has forgot her love; You dote on her that cares not for your love. 'Tis pity love should be so contrary; And thinking of it makes me cry 'alas!