Playing in an independent rock band will eventually make you equal parts truck driver, gladiator and mule. Glamour is for those with trust funds.

We don’t need more ‘What if the mother is going to die’ debated, we need ‘I had an abortion because I was not ready to be a mother. It was my choice and my right. I own it. Back the f@#( up.

If you want to be noticed as a drop of water, why would you move to the ocean?

Country music is completely punk-rock. It's the original punk-rock.

The most tender place in my heart is for strangers. I know it's unkind, but my own blood is much too dangerous.

You're not supposed to totally know what's happening. The songs are supposed to give you clues so you can fill in the blanks.

The Worse Things Get, The Harder I Fight. The Harder I Fight, The More I Love You.

I would be a huge hypocrite if I didn't tell you that at one time in my life I thought the way that you made music was you got on a major label and you got famous.

We shouldn't censor ourselves based on the weak idea of "looking cool." It's such a waste of potential awesomeness.

I grew up with lots of animals and I related more to them than I did to people. I feel a lot of empathy for them.

Everyone has to kind of fend for themselves.

Dreams are like drama, they unfold the story on the stage.

I will always hate war, but will be forever proud of mine.

I am possessed by love and have no options.

Older men declare war. But it is youth that must fight and die. And it is youth who must inherit the tribulation, the sorrow and the triumphs that are the aftermath of war.

A lie always needs a truth for a handle to it. The worst lies are those whose blade is false, but whose handle is true.

I think it's very important to know what you want to do next versus just leave it up to chance, really position yourself in the right footings to get to where you want to be.

I just can't help but see things differently.

Heard in full sound, the Gospels tell about the establishment of a theocracy, and portray what theocracy looks like with Jesus as king.

It's pleasant and bothersome and embarrassing all at once. Especially when you haven't done much and are a celebrity.

There is just now a great clamor and demand for "culture;" but it is not so much culture that is needed as discipline.