So much of my career has been about saying things the way people say them, using melodies not that I can sing but that the people can sing.

Country is bringing in a little rock element... a little '80s element. Melody is king now. But its just in the music, its not so much in the songwriting, which is still very basic to the storytelling aspect of it.

The best compliment that has ever been given to me was, I was at the airport one day and a guy came in and said, 'Lionel, my wife loves you, the kids love you, my mother-in-law loves you, the family loves you.

People have allowed me into their homes, through my words and my music.

The music business was not safe, but it was FUN. It was like falling in love with a woman you know is bad for you, but you love every minute with her, anyway.

No one can deny, this love I have inside, and I'll give it all to you, my endless love.

I'm a songwriter, and people will tell you the greatest stories about their lives, whether you want to hear it or not.