I was captured by the songs as much as the singer. They grabbed my heart. The reality of Country Music moved me. Even when I was a kid, I liked the sad songs... songs that talked about true life. I recognized this music as a simple plea. It beckoned me.
I usually start with a title or maybe a little rhyme or phrase.
A lot of songs you write are just for exercise - just pencil sharpeners.
I take a whole life story and compress it into three minutes.
I'm always collecting emotions for future reference.
Work is both my living and my pleasure.