I think in the world of rock music or whatever it's called - anything outside of Nashville - there's a lot more freedom within that industry to do whatever you want to do.

I'm fascinated by the whole concept of snake handling. When you read about the Pentecostal snake handlers, what strikes you the most is their commitment.

I'm just like everyone. I like to feel togetherness with someone.

So few people are truly themselves when they're in the spotlight.

I'm not just a doormat. I'm not just being stepped on all over the place. If you look at the bulk of my material, it's about trying to find some strength through that.

People let their own hang-ups become the obstacles between them and personal happiness.

As it turns out, now is the moment you've been waiting for

I guess you could write a good song if your heart hadn't been broken, but I don't know of anyone whose heart hasn't been broken.

The perfect man? A poet on a motorcycle.

First thing, I throw on some jeans, a T-shirt and my Keds sneakers and make coffee. That is actually my favorite time of day. That is when I do my songwriting, when I am in writing mode.

Have compassion for everyone you meet, even if they don’t want it.

All I can say is if one was tea, the other coffee. If one was smoke, the other cigar. There is absolutely nothing in common between them except they both fought to win.

A few simple tips for life: feet on the ground, head to the skies, heart open...quiet mind

It can’t be done, ” they told the caterpillar. “It can, ” replied the butterfly.

All the candy corn that was ever made was made in 1911.

The difficulty about all this dying, is that you can't tell a fellow anything about it, so where does the fun come in?

Sometimes I think that's where most of us are. Fighting off the crazy as best we can. Trying to become something better than we were. It's that second bit that's important.

To be at the top, you have to have a competitive streak in you. If you're not performing, you've got to be angry with yourself.

We're just like a movie based on a book-- almost, but not quite as good.

If Barack Obama becomes the president in November again, I will either be dead or in jail by this time next year.