It takes a lot to still believe in people.

May your past be the sound of your feet upon the ground.

I kind of like being depressed.

There’s always some level of optimism in every single song.

Running in Central Park is my favorite thing to wake up and do. I have my own specific path that I have to run every single time. There's a little bit of OCD involved, but I love it.

I don't play an instrument - I just write in my head, and I usually hear fully formed songs. 'We Are Young' turned out so much like it was in my head. But it also exceeded all my expectations.

But as long as you're creating the art you want to create, if people start liking you, you shouldn't have to apologize. You want your stuff to be heard by as many people as possible.

If I wasn't a musician I'd probably be like a meth addict.

I try and get about eight hours of sleep every single night. And I like to think that I drink more water than anyone, ever.

I don't want to be known for anything other than writing songs.

I tried to play bass in a punk band once, and it was an absolute disaster. I can’t play anything. I don’t know what it is.

Sometimes I want to be human for you.

Think about finding out when you're 13 that your dad is not your dad. It's like, okay, take it on the chin and keep going. No choice, really.

Reality TV has ruined people's ability to watch documentary.

You call it madness, but I call it love.

I think it's more important to seek the truth than to try and be perfect, to be honest.

I just thought you'd like to know I can read. You got anything needs readin' I can do it.

Literature: proclaiming in front of everyone what one is careful to conceal from one's immediate circle

God's mercies are new every morning. Receive them.

The thing you are ripening toward is the fruit of your life. It will make you bright inside, no matter what you are outside. It is a shining thing.

I've never ruled out the possibility of going back into public service.