One difference between poetry and lyrics is that lyrics sort of fade into the background. They fade on the page and live on the stage when set to music.

If I cannot fly, let me sing.

Math and music are intimately related. Not necessarily on a conscious level, but sure.

I love the theater as much as music, and the whole idea of getting across to an audience and making them laugh, making them cry - just making them feel - is paramount to me.

If you force yourself to write away from the piano, you come up with more inventive things. If you're too good a piano player, as some composers are, the music may become flavorless and glib. And if you're not a very good pianist, you're limited to the same patterns.

If people have split views about your work, I think it's flattering. I'd rather have them feel something about it than dismiss it.