“You’re definitely a different person at different stages in your life.”

I’ve never made a record that didn’t sound better than what was in my head – that’s sort of my rule.

You have to do what you believe in.

Life is short and if you’re looking for extension, you had best do well. ‘Cause there’s good deeds and then there’s good intentions. They are as far apart as Heaven and Hell.

Just because you have a hit doesn’t mean you’re good [at music]. Just means you got a hit.

If you don’t like my fire, then don’t come around. Cause I’m gonna burn one down.

If interviews are just interviews or if music is just music, why are we even doing it? You only get so many hours in a lifetime, man.

I can’t not put myself in the shoes of every person I pass.

I want to try to be who I am today, not who I was yesterday.

These eyes weren’t made for crying, this love wasn’t made to waste. These arms weren’t made for battle, but to share in your embrace.

I appreciate that something I’ve done has found a safe place to land.

There’s only one proper way a song should go, but you’ve got to be patient enough to let them come together time wise.

I’m a living sunset, lightning in my bones.

Take my hand when you are worried Take my hand when you’re alone Take my hand and let me guide you Take my hand to lead you home.

Children come running to the truth But you’ve got to peel the skin to get the fruit And while one’s living high another’s grieving But what’s sweet by morning is bitter by the evening Oh – What’s sweet by morning is bitter by the evening.

People say, “How do you write songs?” I say, “Patience.” I may have a track that’s hot, but no words. I’ll just let it sit for years, because I know they’re going to meet. They’ll find it.

As long as someone else controls your history the truth shall remain just a mystery

Every stage of education begins with childhood. That is why the most educated person on earth so much resembles a child.

Movie acting is about covering the machinery. Stage acting is about exposing the machinery. In cinema, you should think the actor is playing himself, if he’s that good. It looks very easy. It should. But it’s not, I assure you.

It’s been very important throughout my career that I’ve met all the guys I’ve copied, because at each stage they’ve said, ‘Don’t play like me, play like you.’

When I do eventually drop, I pray to God that it will happen in one of three ways. Firstly, on stage or leaving the stage, then secondly in my sleep. And the third way? You’ll have to figure that out for yourself!

Did you see the 2000 Republican Presidential Convention? The last time the Republicans had that many Black people on a stage, they were selling them!

Dance your way through the journey the road is your tango class and your destiny is the stage.

We live in a stage of politics, where legislators seem to regard the passage of laws as much more important than the results of their enforcement.

I have stage fright every single concert I’ve ever done. I have at least four or five minutes of it. It’s absolute living hell.