Now I'm a symbol of what to be and how hard to work. I have heads of major labels say, "I wish you could teach our artists how to do it." At one point I was the punching bag of what not to be, and now I'm the model of what to be.

I think people need to live their lives the way they want to, but I'm pretty confident in the fact that I love girls. I've got a long line of girls who could testify that I am not gay.

Before, I was more concerned with getting on the radio, like many young artists.

When I'm a ship tossed around on the waves, Up on a highwire that's ready to break. When I've had just about all I can take, baby you save me

Social topics may hit too close to home for people, but then again, if you pull a heartstring, then that's what country music is. It's not just songs about getting drunk and leaving your girl.

I remember making up songs in my head.

My mind is constantly going. For me to completely relax, I gotta get rid of my cell phone.