I'm inspired by watching and listening to people. For example, my first novel, The Scale, came to life after I overheard two women discussing their struggle with their weight at the gym.

Strangely, I feel that I become increasingly reclusive in my normal life and more open and candid in my music.

I make mistakes. I say stupid things. I do idiotic things. And, quite frankly, I'm proud of them. Why not make mistakes?

I realize that of all people, I am no expert on parenting or marriage.

Sometimes I dress like what I want for lunch, because all I can think about is having a tuna sandwich.

I was brought up in many different cultures, moving around all the time, and I find my identity in my songs. I project the identity I want to have throughout the songs that I write.

When you're not part of a club, you have to find another way of surviving.

I have opinions on everything. I'm a stubborn old mule. The biggest problem is keeping my mouth shut.

The stage is my territory, my boxing ring. That's where I'm free.

I say I have a midlife crisis every time I start and finish a record.

You can only get over your fears if you attack them head on.

Apparently, the world is not a wish-granting factory.

This life is your canvas

Throughout American history, there have been moments that call on us to meet the challenges of an uncertain world, and pay whatever price is required to secure our freedom.

Simply follow nature, Rousseau declares. Sade, laughing grimly, agrees.

Fearlessness is extending ourselves beyond our limited view.

We can all humbly say in the sincerity of faith, "I am loved; I am called; I am secure."

Poverty - the one thing money can't buy

I always felt I was scraping the bottom of the barrel trying to get a song together.

In all things rest is sweet; there is sur feit even in honey, even in Aphrodite s lovely flowers.

There is a field beyond all notions of right and wrong. Come, meet me there.