A Shakespearean tragedy as so far considered may be called a story of exceptional calamity leading to the death of a man in high estate. But it is clearly much more than this and we have now to regard it from another side.

My book 'Trust Your Heart' which is the story of my life will be followed by 'Singing Lessons' a memoir of love loss hope and healing which talks about the death of my son and the hope that has been the aftermath of the healing from that tragedy.

In almost every interview someone asks what does HIM stand for. I can't even remember our latest lie about that. When Hanson was hot we said it means Hanson Is Murder. The name doesn't have a particular history. His Infernal Majesty was a totally different band. I think HIM derives from some death metal joke.

Death is the sanction of everything the story-teller can tell. He has borrowed his authority from death.

Judged by the law of England I know this crime entails upon me the penalty of death but the history of Ireland explains that crime and justifies it.

Even when you're making a movie about life death is a presence and I guess it's part of my dramatic viewpoint. I'm not sure why exactly. Maybe I'm drawn to it as a story element.

You know Americans are obsessed with life and death and rebirth that's the American Cycle. You know awakening tragic horrible death and then Phoenix rising from the ashes. That's the American story again and again.

The Teutons have been singing the swan song ever since they entered the ranks of history. They have always confounded truth with death.

The history of the world is the record of the weakness frailty and death of public opinion.

In our brief national history we have shot four of our presidents worried five of them to death impeached one and hounded another out of office. And when all else fails we hold an election and assassinate their character.