I passionately hate the idea of being with it, I think an artist has always to be out of step with his time.

A great poet is the most precious jewel of a nation.

Art! Who comprehends her? With whom can one consult concerning this great goddess?

We're not trying to change the world; just music.

Art is always and everywhere the secret confession, and at the same time the immortal movement of its time

Music should strike fire from the heart of man, and bring tears from the eyes of woman.

Singers come and go, but if you're a good actor, you can last a long time

And I'll stand on the ocean until I start sinking.

I have a genuine love affair with my audience. When I`m on stage they`re not privileged to see me. It`s a privilege for me to see them.

I'm very happy to hear that my work inspires writers and painters. It's the most beautiful compliment, the greatest reward. Art should always be an exchange.

The art of art, the glory of expression and the sunshine of the light of letters, is simplicity.

The music industry can make you feel like a prostitute.

Music melts all the separate parts of our bodies together.

The aim of art is to represent not the outward appearance of things, but their inward significance.

The man who writes about himself and his own time is the only man who writes about all people and all time.

I can't listen to that much Wagner. I start getting the urge to conquer Poland.

Once you become predictable, no one's interested anymore.

What is written without effort is in general read without pleasure.

After silence, that which comes nearest to expressing the inexpressible is music.

I accept chaos, I'm not sure whether it accepts me.

Each song is a child I nourish and give my love to. But even if you have never written a song, your life is a song. How can it not be?