He's the real deal. Eric Taylor was one of my heroes and teachers when I started playing around Houston in the early 1970s.

Townes Van Zandt is the best songwriter in the whole world, and I'll stand on Bob Dylan's coffee table in my cowboy boots and say that.

America's criminal justice system isn't known for rehabilitation. I'm not sure that, as a society, we are even interested in that concept anymore.

I don't believe that songwriting has to be profound, but I truly believe that it's a crime for you to go outta your way for it not to be.

I have a low tolerance for mediocrity in music and life. I'm into pain and joy and the in-between doesn't interest me.

Actually, in its purest form, Islam is incredibly tolerant. That makes what's going on in the world really bizarre.

All we do as songwriters is rewrite the songs that have impressed us till we find our own voice. It's part of learning the craft.

You see things differently at 40 than you do at 31. Especially if you got to 40 the way I did.

Every day on Earth is another chance to get it right.

I don't really think in terms of obstacles. My biggest obstacle is always myself.

To me, religion is an agreement between a group of people about what God is. Spirituality is a one-on-one relationship.

Rich men hold their secrets close to their chest and share among themselves only. I am not afraid to share my secrets to poor people because I know most of them will not use it

Every uncomfortable experience in life gives you the choice of growing bitter or better.

Like all young men I set out to be a genius, but mercifully laughter intervened.

I'm a strong believer that if you score goals, you win matches.

There is an event once a year that I'm able to sing at, through 'Passions,' in Tennessee. That's always fun. We perform at the Wild Horse Saloon.

We have two families in life. One were born with that shares our blood. Another we meet along the way that's willing to give it's life for us.

As you move through life, set aside good ideas and give them to others to encourage and inspire.

Spite and ill-nature are among the most expensive luxuries in life.

I like to bow hunt, I do a lot of that. I don't get dressed up all too often, I'm pretty casual.

Hindus believe Buddha to be an Avatara.