There are men whom one hates until a certain moment when one sees, through a chink in their armour, the writhing of something nailed down and in torment.

Now, you mummy's darlings, get a rift on them boots. Definitely shine em, my little curly-headed lambs, for in our mob, war or no war, you die with clean boots on.

When Irish eyes are smiling, watch your step.

But books, when you want to buy them, are costly and, when you need to sell them, valueless.

Poetry is the language of intensity. Because we are going to die, an expression of intensity is justified.

Some mornings you wake up and think, gee I look handsome today. Other days I think, what am I doing in the movies? I wanna go back to Ireland and drive a forklift.

Records are just moments of achievement. They're like receipts for work done. Time goes on and people keep playing music.

I've never been enamoured by the idea of being a celebrity.

I am going for a level of perfection that is only mine... Most of the pleasure is in getting the last little piece perfect.

I really believe I'm no different from anyone else. I just had a few challenges I had to learn from at a very early age.

Music is actually where I see heaven.

It is the old experience that a rude instrument in the hand of a master craftsman will achieve more than the finest tool wielded by the uninspired journeyman.

I honestly haven't thought about it much. When it comes time for me to retire, I don't think I'll know going into that season. I'll have to evaluate it at the end of each year.

I write in the studio.