I'm glad I took that time to work really hard on the music. I feel the effects of that now in a positive way with my connection with the audience.

My elementary school is still there [in Luttrell, Tennessee]. I drop by my high school. It's a small community. I say this every night before I do the song 'The Boys of Fall' in the show - I'm really happy about where I grew up and how I grew up.

My fans get enough politics on TV every day. I want them to think for themselves. I don't want them to listen to me.

I remember making up songs in my head.

The title [of the album 'The Big Revival']alone fit what I was feeling. It defined what I was going through. That year off was a time to revive, to reset, to reclaim, to revitalize and to re-focus. It was a revival of how I made music, how I presented it and my connection with the fans.

I think it is possible to be friends with employees, but there has to be a respect level where you're not taken advantage of, either.

it's a smile, it's a kiss, it's a sip of wine ... it's summertime!