I found it was really impossible for me to write songs when I couldn't sing.

I wanted to be the writer in the room setting depth charges of feeling out the world with my language.You know, I had a very romantic idea about that.But I grew into being a performer.

I think that my sensitivity to music has actually deepened and expanded as I've gotten older. You add more life experience.

Well, the first year I lost my voice I didn't mind so much because I was going to have a baby and I was distracted with him anyway, I didn't even think about it that much, well, OK, this is what's happening.

"Country" has become a marketing term. I see myself as a songwriter.

For the first time in 23 years I'm enjoying the process of supporting it, of going out and doing shows, and doing the interviews, and doing everything.

I adhere to the religion of art and music and small children.