I've always had levity in my songs, so I like to turn things over, twist them around, and make fun of myself.

I've done my share of busking, and it's fun until it isn't. There are musicians in the subways that will make you cry, they're so good.

I think I'm still a little too intense for my own good sometimes.

Every time I get up in the morning, melodies occur to me and I start trying to shape lyrics to melodies.

I guess I'm attracted to more archaic words because they can be imbued with more meaning, because their definition is elusive.

My favorite literature to read is fairly dry history. I like the framework, and my imagination can do the rest.

Sometimes I think I don't have much choice in the matter. It's just what happens, and I'm following my instincts the whole time.

Songwriters can sort of get away with murder. You can throw out crazy theories and not have to back it up with data or graphs or research.

All the folks I play with come from jazz backgrounds or at least appreciate spontaneity within the parameters of a pop song.

I am, in some sense, a writer. Even though I kinda downplay the word thing, I do enjoy writing sometimes.

I think when I was pretty young I got really into the tone of my instrument and I remember just playing one note for an hour to just kind of feel the resonance of the violin.

it is impossible to build one's own happiness on the unhappiness of others. This perspective is at the heart of Buddhist teachings.

If your actions are combined with proper planning and perseverance, there are no heights you cannot attain.

How do you like your blue-eyed boy Mr Death?

I don't think children's inner feelings have changed. They still want a mother and father in the very same house they want places to play.

To play Trivial Pursuit with a life like mine could be said to be a form of homeopathy.

Our ideas need to become part of everyday discussion.

Temptation cannot exist without the concurrence of inclination and opportunity.

You can't be as old as I am without waking up with a surprised look on your face every morning.

When I was a lot younger, my parents raised me watching classic movies.

I am going to dedicate myself, full time, to my day-drinking.