If I found out some gal was trying to steal my guy, I'd want to give her a black eye! Instead, I wrote this song. At the time I was writing each song [on this album], you could figure out the frame of mind I was in by listening closely. With every song I've ever recorded, I'm in it. I wouldn't write about it if I wasn't in it.

I try to visit people in hospitals when I can, smiling and joking while I'm there. But when I leave, I just start crying.

I'm always making Butcher Holler sound like the most backward part of the United States-and I think maybe it is.

When I first came to Nashville, people hardly gave country music any respect. We lived in old cars and dirty hotels, and we ate when we could.

You get used to sadness, growing up in the mountains, I guess.

Being on stage is the best part of my career. I just say whatever comes into my head. It's the only time I feel grown-up and in control of things.

Write about the truth. If you write about the truth, somebody's living that. Not just somebody, there's a lot of people.