A lot of kids spent more time out of school than in, but I always loved school and thought it was my way out of Cleveland, and out of poverty.
Honestly, I think, as an artist, it's everything that's in your life that informs what you do. So, obviously, growing up in Cleveland has played a big role in how I see the world.
When we started making 'Where You Live', I bought a bunch of Polaroid cameras in so that people could record the experience. Some of those pictures are in the CD sleeve.
I mentioned that I received a scholarship to Episcopalian school, and the model for the school was 'From each according to his or her ability and to each according to his or her need.' And it's something that is still really important to me in thinking about how I prioritize what I do with my life.
I've seen and met angels wearing the disguise of ordinary people living ordinary lives.Collection: Inspirational
There's a power in words. There's a power in being able to explain and describe and articulate what you know and feel and believe about the world, and about yourself.Collection: Believe
At this point in my life Id like to live as if only love mattered.Collection: Aries
We are the spirit, the collective conscience. We create the pain, and suffering, and beauty in this world.Collection: Pain
Have faith in humankind a respect for what is earthly and an unfaltering belief in peace and understandingCollection: Faith
So don't be tempted by the shiny apple Don't you eat of a bitter fruit Hunger only for a taste of justice Hunger only for a world of truth 'Cause all that you have is your soul.Collection: Love
Words don't come easily, like forgive me.Collection: Reality
Renounce all those material things that you gained by exploiting other human beings.Collection: Renounce
This youthful heart can love you and give you what you need, but I'm too old to go chasing you around wasting my precious energy.Collection: Love
It's time to start all over/make a new beginning.Collection: New Beginnings
Why do babies starve /When there's enough food to feed the world /Why when there's so many of us /Are there people still aloneCollection: Baby
As a child I spent a lot of time at the library.Collection: Children
Who took away the part so essential to the whole Left you a hollow body Skin and bone.Collection: Numbness
I really love playing music with other people. It's more fun to be on the road with others. It's kind of lonely out there when you play on your own!Collection: Lonely
Now love's the only thing that's free /We must take it where it's found /Pretty soon it may be costlyCollection: May
I don't want someone to squeeze me, that might take away my life. Just want someone to hold me, and we'll rock through the night.Collection: Night
I'm never sure if I'll ever write another song, what the song will be about and if what initially sparked the beginning of a song might complete it.Collection: Song
My old man's got a problem, he lives with the bottle.Collection: Family
I'm not sure if the next song I write is going to be about love or a song about a tree.Collection: Song
I got a plan to get out of here, I've been working at a convenient store.Collection: Stores
I really love playing music with other people. It’s more fun to be on the road with others. It’s kind of lonely out there when you play on your own!Collection: Fun