Some of the best songs that artists perform year after year are ones they hated.

Listen to the Bee Gees and you can learn to be a great writer.

I was a pop-music junkie. My parents were into Frank Sinatra and Doris Day. They weren't too excited when I had Aretha or the Stones pumping.

When I look at myself, I'd like not to have hair on the top of the ceiling.

I looked a little pasty. But hey, at least I didn't wet myself!

The thing that's tricky is sometimes the best voices - just because someone hits the big notes and sounds amazing - it doesn't necessarily mean they make the greatest artists.

I have breakups that I can credit to every song. In my twenties, I picked people who would create that dysfunction and drama, so I could draw upon it.

Songwriters tell the truth.

I felt like I got more comfortable on "Idol" when I just started being myself and not trying to be what I thought I had to be.

I don't go to record stores to look at my albums, but it's always a thrill to see them.

Look at someone like Ke$ha. I wouldn't say she's got the most rangy, incredible voice, but she's got a thing. She stands for something, and people are buying into that.

The Kingdom of God abideth forever.

The devil is the god of this planet and he does anything he wants to the people therein

Play keeps us vital and alive. It gives us an enthusiasm for life that is irreplaceable. Without it life just doesn't taste good.

To believe, it seemed, one had to want to believe.

I'm just an Irish biddy.

I think men are a beautiful creation.

Growing up, I was taught a mans word is his bond.

I don't get nervous when I'm directing a play. It's not like acting.

That good diffused may more abundant grow.

The essence of genius is to know what to overlook.