My most cryptic, strange songs might be my most personal, but that isn't how people are going to receive them, because they don't know the code.

I drive a lot. Just for pleasure. Sometimes I'll get in the Cadillac and drive around the city or the country, kind of trying to get lost basically. Y'know, just see where roads lead.

You should never rely on interviews with musicians as being factual. Most of them are mangled and even have made up stuff in them, that is to say, made up stuff by the writer or editor.

Wise is the tongue, wet of perfect thought.

The first thing that inspires any song is a chord progression. When I have one I really like, I get into the lyrics even more.

I have two step-kids and one of my own on the way. That's three college funds.

If you're a good band then the filter of the band is pretty strong.

I listen to Neil Young and jazz and classical stations and, if my girlfriend's driving, it tends to be Hall & Oates.

I think everybody has a painter inside of them somewhere.

Everyone thinks I'm a wimp and even my own band hates me. Oh, well. I guess I'll just flip 'em the bird!

I don't like to have everything all worked out in my head because there's always a chance of it coming out different than you think it should anyway.

I used to always read with a pen in my hand, as if the author and I were in a conversation.

I also watch a lot of really bad television when I'm writing, "Like Dancing With the Stars," with my daughter.

Women can more easily conquer their passion than their coquetterie.

I resemble the poplar,--that tree which, even when old, still looks young.

Reth looked exasperated. “When is something ever not wrong in your life?” I frowned. “That’s my line.

A moment of eloquence enthralls us. An hour's worth leaves us stupefied.

I started writing as soon as I started reading.

Jazz is my comfort music, like comfort food.

I'm a hip-hop head, I grew up with it. So I've always loved the music.

Cato kneels beside Clove, spear in hand, begging her to stay with him. In a moment, he will realize it's futile, she can't be saved.