Quotes from Ray LaMontagne

Every song asks to be sung in a different way.

I probably wouldn't be a songwriter if I didn't grow up the way I did. It was difficult and it was at times very scary to grow up in a household so unsettled and at times very violent. But, it also, I guess it earned me a sort of wisdom at a young age that's served me well.

I feel calm when I'm on my own.

My backstory is so tedious. I hope the interviews are turning a corner now.

There's a real sense of desperation when you grow up in poverty.

There's nothing in the world so sad as talking to a man who never knew his life was his for making.

It's so easy to get caught up in your own experiences. They can seem so important. But there are billions and billions of other experiences going on.

My backstory is so tedious.

I was really lost for a while in my teens. I was angry. But when I found music - Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Joni Mitchell - it was a new discovery. It was a door to this other world where I wanted to be.

We all have that inner voice that is wise, even if we don't always follow it. It's that voice I'm trying to listen to.

My voice sucks. I don't like the tone.

When I think of folk music, I think of topical songs. And I don't write topical songs.

It bugs me that people think my songs are personal because it means I have to explain myself all the time.

The thing I love about music is that you can take things that are painful, deep things that hurt you, and you can turn them into something beautiful.

Social situations, for me - it's very natural for me to be an observer. That's where I'm most comfortable. I observe things.

I probably wouldn't be a songwriter if I didn't grow up the way I did. It was difficult and it was at times very scary to grow up in a household so unsettled and at times very violent. But, it also, I guess it earned me a sort of wisdom at a young age that's served me well.

And baby, the way you move me it's crazy

And when all your faith is gone let it be me, if it's a friend you need let it be me

But everything I have to give, I'll give to you

You have to believe in yourself before anybody else believes in you.

Well... you know, I love motorcycles. They're just beautiful, and there's a certain craftsmanship in older bikes, older Triumphs or BSAs or Norton. I'm just very attracted to it.

Writing songs is not something I wanted to share with people for a long time. It was precious to me. I didnt want someone to crush it. I waited until I felt strong enough to take the criticism.

In order to get a note out, I have to dig deep, and I mean that on an emotional level. To physically sing, I have to get somewhere deep before I can do it.

You can make bad choices and find yourself in a downward spiral or you can find something that gets you out of it.