I make an embarrassing amount of money for a borderline Marxist, just by selling 100,000 records. I don't sell millions of records, and I don't need to.

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.

Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence.

The weird thing about houses is that they almost always look like nothing is happening inside of them, even thought they countain most of our lives.

I don't try to explain or justify my actions. I simply do what I do.

Don't talk about heaven if you've never been to Bali.

Knowledge without justice ought to be called cunning rather than wisdom.

All men that date me have to know that their name may end up in a pop song.

A wise prince must never take things easy in times of peace.

First you fall in love with Antarctica, and then it breaks your heart.

I think all of our human Experience shows that no one with absolute power can be trusted to give it up even in part

You'll never write anything that really satisfies you though it may satisfy other people.