I misfired and said some things in the past about people, namely John Mayer. And I didn't have the guts to apologize.

I'm in control of my musical career, which means more than awards and record sales. And that freedom is exactly what my dad fought for, too.

It took me a little while to get sorrow under the belt enough to understand country music's lyrics and strengths.

The smartest thing I've done for my kids is writing a song about a holiday. Every year after that, even after I'm gone, they'll get a small check from the play it gets around the Fourth.

Perhaps the greatest social service that can be rendered by anybody to the country and to mankind is to bring up a family.

There's no handbook for parenting. So you walk a very fine line as a parent because you are civilizing these raw things. They will tip the coffee over and finger-paint on the table. At some point, you have to say, 'We're gonna have to clean that up because you don't paint with coffee on a table.'

Coming to New York is like a big hug, everyone is so welcoming. There's something about here, everyone makes you feel so at home. I miss my family of course, but I don't miss London that much. I was worried, but I feel really at home. Everyone says that who comes here from London, but I didn't believe them.

I come from a great home and fully supportive family that helped to nurture my dreams. A lot of people don't have those same things in their household.