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My theory is this; I'm not a political songwriter. I'm an honest songwriter.

I don't set out to write a political song. I am not one of those that feels compelled to write about what's going on.

I'd love to say that I could write political songs, but I don't feel clued-up enough.

I do write songs with a political dimension to them sometimes, but I'm always slightly appalled by it when I do.

I am an artist and a political being as well.

I'm not sure I am a politician. I would say that I am still an artist, and I'm trying to use politics as an instrument for change.

I could write songs about politics, but I'm conscious of not writing songs that sound the same as the ones I wrote 30 years ago.

To me, a political song is also a personal song. Most political activism has been driven by empathy for other people and the desire for a world that's less divisive. Even if songs aren't overtly political, they can make a listener more empathetic.

I don't think it's an artist's responsibility to be political all the time. I think your first responsibility as an artist is to make music that people will listen to and enjoy. However, I think that when you are able to say something that is moving and put it in a great song, then that is even better.