When I moved to L.A., I was penniless, absolutely beyond broke and in debt up to my eyeballs.

Oh, got no reason, got not shame
Got no family I can blame
Just don't let me disappear
I'mma tell you everything

I'm just a regular guy, but if you cross me it will get physical.

Melody is the single most important thing to any song, period. I don't care what anybody says, it trumps everything. Not because that's my opinion but because I think it's actually indisputable fact. The human brain retains melody easier than it retains words. It's that simple.

I think the true test of a pop song, for me, and I've talked to a lot of other writers about this, is you take your demo, you pop it in your car and you drive down Sunset Blvd. to Santa Monica, and that's the Hollywood car test.

Writing songs is about trying to connect with people on a deeper spiritual level - but I'm not a fan of contemporary Christian music.