Sympathetic characters usually have a voice. They usually don't have any trouble being heard.

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.

All beliefs are equally valid.

Whenever you make up your mind to go into solitude, you must decide first of all what you want to go and do there.

Theology is a superstition—Humanity a religion.

I want to keep living in this beautiful dream-world of ours.

Thinking this is "The One" becomes an excuse to let your own life deteriorate.

One can compare art education to the solid foundation for a house - once it's built properly, it will hold any shape or form you will place on it.

You can't be evangelical and associate yourself with Jesus and what he says about the poor and just have no other domestic concerns than tax cuts for wealthy people.

The humblest craft that floats makes its appeal to a seaman by the faithfulness of her life.

All I want to say is that when you stop being delusional and start feeling desperate because you're too inept to figure this out on your own, you know who to come to.

The great acts of love are done by those who are habitually performing small acts of kindness.