Throughout history, the leaders of countries have been very particular of what songs should be sung. We know the power of songs.

Songs won’t save the planet, but neither will books or speeches. Songs are sneaky things; they can slip across borders.

I try to sing many different kinds of songs. If I sing a batch of humorous songs, I'll throw in a deadly serious song. Or if I'm singing too many serious songs, I'll throw in a ridiculous song, to mix it up.

I try to sing many different kinds of songs. If I sing a batch of humorous songs, I'll throw in a deadly serious song. Or if I'm singing too many serious songs, I'll throw in a ridiculous song, to mix it up.

I've found that festivals are a relatively painless way to meet people and make a few points that need making, without having to hit them over the head with too many speeches.

One of the things I'm most proud of about my country is the fact that we did lick McCarthyism back in the fifties.