If you talk bad about country music, it's like saying bad things about my momma. Them's fightin' words.

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.

Storms make trees take deeper roots.

I always wanted to be loved.

It's always great to perform at home in the good ol' U.S.A.

I usually get up at 3 A.M. I don't require a lot of sleep, and if I get tired, I'll take a powernap during the day.

People are always asking me in interviews, 'What do you think of foreign affairs?' I just say, 'I've had a few.'