When you have the opportunity to make music with great musicians, take it. That's it. That's the only reason I need, really.

I only watch TV when I go to hotels.

To me, music has to be about freedom. It's the most important thing in my life.

Life is good. Or at least, it's always interesting.

Who says soul has only one colour?

I'm supposed to be taking time off. But I'm still writing and I have this Gap advert lined up.

If you remember one thing from talking to me, remember this: I am just a girl who makes noises - and I'm incredibly lucky that people happen to like those noises.

It's like, 'You're not allowed to change. That's not fair. We like you like this.' But I don't. So let me expand and express myself.

It's ok to be sassy, but I'll never be trashy, it's ok to be nasty, but you got to keep it classy now

It would just be nice if everybody would be nice.

If I could be a doctor and save lives I would, but I can't so I sing songs.

Without hard work, nothing grows but weeds.

I want a book to contain a world - indeed the world. Writing is my main means of engagement with the world and I want the scars of that engagement to be left in the language.

To forget the dead would be akin to killing them a second time.

One learns to itch where one can scratch.

If you want to make [your own way in music] it as a player, which is very difficult, as Art Blakey said to me, "We're blessed to have the opportunity to do this." So just keep that in mind.

We should be reminding ourselves that no matter how many problems may be facing us, the One Who is with us is greater than all those who oppose us.

Paris is a mighty schoolmaster, a grand enlightener of the provincial intellect.

Syria is Iran's only ally in the Arab world. It's their route to the sea.

Life is like cooking: before choosing what you love, try everything... ♥

There's never going to be peace in the world until there's peace in nations. There's never going to be peace in nations till there's peace in communities and families and in individual lives.