There are about five or six songs that were written in full or in part while I was in Iraq, and that was definitely a life-changing experience. There was no shortage of inspiration.

I'd always been a fan growing up, and in high school, I was really into Tom Petty and Bruce Springsteen.

Before too long I was playing badly out in some bars around Memphis, but as soon as I learned a few chords I started writing my own stuff.

I was 35 years old and not in the best of shape. I spent many late nights playing music, drinking beer, and eating Taco Bell.

I love most 70's song writers, not so much outlaw, but really those 70's guys. I'm a big fan of Johnny Cash and Willie Nelson, those guys.

On the music side, I'm a cross between maybe that Texas songwriter and that Tom Petty feel.

Sometimes surviving is all you can do

Suicide is not criminal. However, a failed attempt at it is. I wonder how someone will so much fail in life to want to take his own life and still fail at it.

But, of course, it isn't really Good-bye, because the Forest will always be there... and anybody who is Friendly with Bears can find it.

Everyone is perfectly willing to learn from unpleasant experience - if only the damage of the first lesson could be repaired.

I think I'm cold, indeed icy, hard. Then there's another reason, one that goes with my frankness: I don't put on act.

He rules the world with truth and grace, and makes the nations prove, the glories of His righteousness and wonders of His love.

I do not plan any painting, but begin with layers of textures and colors. As I layer the colors, something is suggested to me from within, and that is how it evolves.

We are all human; therefore, nothing human can be alien to us.

I've met people who are baffled by children, as though they were never children themselves.

The next album I make might be the most messed up thing ever. It's all momentary for me.