To compose a melody, pretty as a ladybug — this is the most important thing to me as a songwriter. And, of course, to pack a lifetime’s worth of heartache into one brief phrase.

But what astonishes a listener is the singing. Why do I sing?

Because when I sing there are mermaids in the imagination swimming up the sweet air to reach me.

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Because to dip into a near-whisper and reach people who are listening is a deep, deep treasure for me.

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Because I have seen old men cry when they sing. It can be winter in the body but when they sing, spring comes early and stays long enough for the wildflowers to believe it. One day I would like to be old like that.

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Because I believe there’s a God and I feel Him when I sing.

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Because when I’m singing, anything that has ever hurt me or could is as far as a train whistle I can’t hear or remember.

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Because it’s impossible for me not to.

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Because I don’t need a reason to.