“Loose ladies on the road will drive you crazy, every no, becomes a maybe.”

I tried when I was 13, when my grandparents gave me an acoustic guitar, and I tried for a year. It hurt so much to play. I mean, the fingertips hurt so much, I gave up.

I feel a real need to observe a level of propriety in what I’m handing out. Instead of me just venting or spilling my guts, I’ve got to consider how it’s going to affect people. How it’s going to affect me, as well. Because it’s like a cycle.

When you’re onstage with an electric band going through a massive P.A. system, it’s very artificial. You can’t really hear your own voice as it comes out of your mouth.

I know there will be no more tears in heaven.

There’s a desire in me to express something – to match what I hear in my head.

But the guitar, when you think about it, is the most versatile, really. I mean you can pick it up and take it with you wherever you go.

And I don’t like having my picture taken. I’m almost like an old African in that sense. I think it steals a bit of the soul.

I couldn’t believe how good Jimi Hendrix was It was a really difficult thing for me to deal with, but I just had to surrender and say, ‘This is fantastic.’

I thought, ‘My God, this is like Buddy Guy on acid.’

I’ve always wanted the sound of Muddy Waters’ early records – only louder

Having lovers and friends is all good and fine But I don’t like yours and you don’t like mine.

I never set myself too high a goal. It was always tone and feeling, for me.

I wish I could write easily. I’m one of those guys who’s visited by the muse when things are dire.

Time can bring you down, time can bend your knees.

One of the most beneficial things I’ve ever learned is how to keep my mouth shut.

I saw you walking with your other man today. If I catch you one more time, I’m gonna blow you both away.