I was raised by parents who really admired the religious leaders of the left, as many 60s and 70s liberals did.

Sometimes life gives us lessons sent in ridiculous packaging.

Milwaukee one of my favorite cites; I think Milwaukee is #1.

In the laughing times we know that we are lucky, and in the quiet times we know that we are blessed. And we will not be alone.

I'm becoming a professional nomad and enjoying that whole part of my life.

And where does magic come from? I think that magic's in the learning.

God looks like a guidance counselor, God's got that smile. God says, 'How could this be? That's really odd I guess I'll have to check my records, silly me, you know, I'm only God.'

And if I had a camera Showing all the light we give And showing where the light extends I'd give it to my friends

Writing 'February' made me realize that breaking form is a way of letting the song be human.

If you're looking for can-do, earthy-crunchy attitude then you've got to go to Wisconsin.

Sometimes I see myself fine, sometimes I need a witness. And I like the whole truth, but there are nights I only need forgiveness.

There's nothing I value more than the closeness of friends and family, a smile as I pass someone on the street.

If you want to do something dangerous... Don't tell your girlfriend!

In 1765, Parliament passed the Stamp Act, which, as any American high school student can tell you, was an act that apparently had something to do with stamps.

What you lack in talent can be made up with desire, hustle, and giving 110 percent all the time.

Every kid Grade 6 and up carries a cellphone - with that they can access the world. They are the most connected, aware generation that's ever existed.

I wrote music as soon as I knew notation.

The reality is that we are going to have problems with water in this century. And the fact that we are going to have problems with fossil fuel is a given.

The plea for the predominance of learning to read in early school life because of the great importance attaching to literature seems to be a perversion.

When I look back on my career, I go, 'This is really great, I've played so many different women.'

My whole life as a grammar-school boy, getting to Cambridge University and working on the 'London Sunday Times' has been very aspirational.