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.

More Quotes by Ray LaMontagne

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

I need space between me and the audience - and the more space the better.

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

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

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

I don't like myself, and I don't like to be looked at.