When you're just singing a beautiful melody with a story that's true to the heart, you don't need a lot of embellishment.

I think everyone's voice is unique. Although sometimes when you listen to the radio, it makes you wonder.

You have to grow up, start paying the rent and have your heart broken before you understand country.

I have my own biography of Gram Parsons - I don't want to be part of somebody else's.

I love Chicago, but I didn't think I had enough soul to be a Cubs fan.

I don't ever worry about whether I'm being true to my country roots. My country roots were adopted. I never worry about what I can do and what I should do. I just do what I want to do.

Patriotism can be good or bad. Knee-jerk patriotism can be very bad. I'm patriotic almost to the point of self-consciousness, but I love my country the way I love a friend or a child who I would correct if she was going the wrong way. Who I expect the very best from.