My dad was in a wheelchair and on oxygen for the last few years of his life.

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.

Half of seeming clever is keeping your mouth shut at the right times.

I have never felt so alive—so free—so proud. I love my country. I love my America.

Inside all of us is a light, but some beacons are darker than others, and some are so dark they never realize they are a form of light at all.

Continuously, in commemoration of the FriendWe drank wine, even before the creation of the vine.

I think after a certain amount, I’m going to give almost everything I have to charity. What else can you do with it? You can't spend it, even if you try. I've been trying.

My audience knows me, and I wear beautiful clothes as a badge of honor. They remember where I came from.

I have fallen in love with American names, the sharp, gaunt names that never get fat.

Maneuvering with an army is advantageous; with an undisciplined multitude, most dangerous.

Welcome to fear, said Moist to himself. It's hope, turned inside out. You know it can't go wrong, you're sure it can't go wrong... But it might.

Those communal areas have got elected municipalities, which have got to do their work as, as fully, democratically elected municipal councils.