I still write more songs about girls than anything else.

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.

Nothing is better for self-esteem than survival.

True love is the person you lay your eyes on that you will be with forever.

These intellectual guys don't like to have an intellectual conversation with you unless they're running the whole thing.

Mike Watt and I had the same teacher. Mr. Tanaka.

I've had two fights within a month and I can't ask for more than that.

Poets and monks... We're both sort of peripheral to the world.

Unless it hurts, unless there’s some vulnerability there, I don’t think you’re going to get good photographs.

I don't think you can write - at least not well - if you don't love stories, love the written word.

The intellect is a beautiful servant but a terrible master. Intellect is the power tool of our separateness. The intuitive, compassionate heart is the doorway to our unity.

Of all the hazards, fear is the worst.