I've always believed in my talent. And I've always had more guts than talent.

There's a lot of rednecks in the country where I grew up.

I love story songs because I've always loved books.

As a songwriter, you're allowed to write anything, and as a person, I am all colors in the rainbow. I've been through everything, you know, so I can write a positive song like 'Better Get to Livin'' because that's my attitude. But that doesn't mean I'm happy all the time. You can't be a deep and serious songwriter without feelings. You kinda have to live with your feelings out on your sleeve and get hurt more than most people. The fear I might get hurt means I might not be able to write another song.

My weaknesses have always been food and men - in that order.

You know, I look like a woman but I think like a man. And in this world of business, that has helped me a lot. Because by the time they think that I don't know what's goin' on, I then got the money, and gone.

It's a good thing I was born a girl, otherwise I'd be a drag queen.