I think people think I'm harder and more arrogant and cocky than I am - because I know how to put on a front, but it's nothing like who I am inside.

People that were in my life for a long time turned sinister and tried to control me, and all kinds of weird stuff happened. But there was no conscience involved; that threw me more than anything.

Anytime I was in Memphis with my dad and at the house, I was happy. That was, like, a given. It was what I lived for. And I still feel the same excitement and warmth.

I grew up in the South with my father; blues and country, that's always been my core. But I had it in me not to do what was expected. I wanted to find my own footing.

I don't think that I'm a top 40 artist in any way. So I don't think I'm that mainstream.

I think I've failed every test I've ever taken. If there was a failure I would have been it.

If I'm alone too long I think too much, and I'm not interested in doing that. That won't lead anywhere good, I'm sure. If I'm busy I tend to stay out of trouble. An idle mind is the devil's playground.