Sarah McLachlan

On becoming a mother, I sort of feel like every kid is my kid. I really do get that sense in a much more profound way that we all are a global community and we all have to band to try and give the children of our this generation whatever tools we can to go out into this world and try and make it a better place.

I was very awkward as a kid. I was a square trying to fit into a circle and it never worked for me. The harder I tried, the harder I fell. For some reason I was a real target and I got beat up and called names.

Music gave me a sense that I was worthwhile and that I had something of value to offer the world even though everybody was telling me that I didn't.

When I say music saved me, I don't say that lightly.

I'm a great mummy. I've mapped out all the fun spots in every city.

I don't court paparazzi. I definitely don't like that part of it.

I'm not one to sit and wallow - I would rather figure out a way around so I can move past it and be at peace with things. I don't like bad feelings gnawing away at me.

Coming to terms with the fact that my marriage was a failure was devastating and very difficult.

I was 17 years old and in my first band, and we played at the university. I was kind of a gawky, unpopular teenager and there was about 400 people smiling and dancing to what we were doing.

I think sometimes all you need is to hear someone else say the same thing that you're going through to realize that you're not alone. I try to put some sense of hope into the songs, into whatever the situation is so that it's not just dirt, drudgery and a life of misery.

I've learned to trust myself, to listen to truth, to not be afraid of it and to not try and hide it.

Water is very forgiving. Everything lifts in water.

Nothing outside of my child is important.

It's a big challenge for me to keep my integrity and some of my privacy intact.

I've been so busy I haven't had a chance to go crazy. I don't party like I used to.

I've always been incredibly lucky that the music that I make, other people like it.

I'm really lucky that my record companies have been patient with me and leave me alone and give me the time to make it right in my mind.

I'm not a media darling. I'm not on the cover of all these magazines. I just quietly do my thing.

I was a pretty insecure kid, didn't have a lot of friends, and was picked on a lot, and music gave me confidence.

I try so hard to live in the moment - I don't think ahead very much.