When I play, I very quickly put myself into a light hypnotic trance and compose while playing, drawing directly from the emotions.

There is something about guitars—maybe something magical—when played right, which evokes past, mysterious, barely-conscious sentiments, both individual and universal.

I had a big background in listening to classical music and I started trying to compose, like I was playing the guitar but I heard an orchestra in my head.

But I say these things in an objective dispassionate manner because, you know, and I can't explain why, but being one of the greatest guitarists in the world simply is not very important to me.

Early Bluegrass is my favorite kind of music, not to many people know that.

How can I be a folk? I'm from the suburbs you know.

The other thing in composition is opening up the unconscious.

I just want to be treated like an average guy.

From a social perspective, I am looking for friends, not acolytes.

I was using them as teachers for technique but I was never trying to be a folk.

Well folks, that's about it for the show tonight.

What I know is nothing but that we are a spring path of autumn light carved into a river of ancient singing.

It's none of their business that you have to learn how to write. Let them think you were born that way.

I distance myself from heaven and then complain that heaven is distant.

I am sufficiently proud of my knowing something to be modest about my not knowing all.

The never-ceasing boom of the great ocean as it breaks on the beach, drowns all smaller sounds.

I am a friend of the working man, and I would rather be his friend, than be one.

If the most you can do right now is walk around the block, then do that, and you will be surprised how quickly you increase your endurance and enthusiasm for moving and breathing.

I play how I feel. I don't have a set way of playing. I get going, looking to create danger.

To be saints is not a privilege for a few, but a vocation for everyone.

Above all avoid taking the advice of men who have no brains and do not know what they are talking about.