I'm used to writing stories with a beginning a middle and an end in four minutes.

Townes Van Zandt is the best songwriter in the whole world, and I'll stand on Bob Dylan's coffee table in my cowboy boots and say that.

America's criminal justice system isn't known for rehabilitation. I'm not sure that, as a society, we are even interested in that concept anymore.

I don't believe that songwriting has to be profound, but I truly believe that it's a crime for you to go outta your way for it not to be.

I have a low tolerance for mediocrity in music and life. I'm into pain and joy and the in-between doesn't interest me.

Actually, in its purest form, Islam is incredibly tolerant. That makes what's going on in the world really bizarre.

All we do as songwriters is rewrite the songs that have impressed us till we find our own voice. It's part of learning the craft.

You see things differently at 40 than you do at 31. Especially if you got to 40 the way I did.

Every day on Earth is another chance to get it right.

I don't really think in terms of obstacles. My biggest obstacle is always myself.

To me, religion is an agreement between a group of people about what God is. Spirituality is a one-on-one relationship.

Have you ever hoped for something? And held out for it against all the odds? Until everything you did was ridiculous?

Everyone has a story inside them. Some are bedtimes stories, some thrill and others scare and horrify their readers. Find out what your story is and share it with the world.

The winds and the waves are always on the side of the ablest navigators.

The world can only change from within.

Content is fire and social media is gasoline.

Note to self: Don't get on Veritas's bad side. She holds a grudge for centuries.

80% of the people who come into a Christ-following relationship is because a friend, co-worker, family member or neighbor invited them to church.

American Action Network should be spending their money to try and get those Democrats to change the votes, not beating up on Republicans in the House.

Music has given a voice to many generations, and I think we, as artists, can be a part of creating a better world.

It's the pointless things that give your life meaning. Friendship, compassion, art, love. All of them pointless. But they're what keeps life from being meaningless.