I write about what I know and what I've experienced. That's the only way it can be real to me. I love songwriting. There is something so satisfying in coming up with an idea and turning it into a song that means something to people.

I'd like to set things straight, a few more people should be pulling their weight.

You've got to stand for something, or you'll fall for anything You've got to be your own man, not a puppet on a string

People are always asking what's the secret of my success, and the answer is easy - at least for me. You have to have a strong inner drive. If you don't have a goal or purpose to strive for, I don't think that you have much of a life. You've got to have something to do that you want to apply yourself to - that's what living is all about.

Every day we encounter situations where we have to make a stand. Looking back, I could have not hand-picked a better song to be my first single.

Never underestimate your fans they'll tell you exactly what they like.

Some sell their soul for the easy road. The devil's always buying. I can't count the ones I've known who fell right into line.

I grew up with very hands-on jobs. I was raised on a farm and taught to work hard. In this high-tech, high-speed society, somewhere along the line, we got the message that if we're not a brain surgeon or an astronaut, we really shouldn't be proud of ourselves.

You're not challenging anyone else but yourself. I'd like to have a 300-pound bench, 500-pound deadlift, and a 400-pound squat.

On the road you can really be more regular about it and work it into daily routines. There's no town that doesn't have a gym. And if you find one that actually doesn't, you can go to the local high school. They always have one.

To me, my Dad's the greatest guy - next to Jesus Christ - who ever walked this planet. He's been that outstanding male role model in my life. And he's still the same guy I grew up around, very conscious of the image he sets forth. As he would say, 'Wouldn't do anything behind your back that I wouldn't do to your face.'

I'm a machine freak. I just love it when you can get a big ol' steel machine to do the most that it's capable of doing.

Yes there's a lady that stands in a harbor for what we believe. And there's a bell that still echoes the price that it cost to be free.

The romantic stuff comes a lot easier when you're experiencing true love. It feels better, it feels more natural to record love songs when you're in love.

Whatever you do today you've got to sleep with tonight.

I was born by God's dear grace, in an extraordinary place. Where the stars and stripes, and the eagle fly.