I think it's perfect to be singing a Bob Dylan gospel song. I felt like when I was doing "God on Our Side," it was a spiritual. The song I'm doing now, "Saving Grace," it definitely hits home, like there go I before the grace of God.

I could be some of my buddies either dead, crazy, or doing time. But He chose for me to be here and talking to you today. I think everybody needs a Saving Grace in this world we're living in today because you can't do it yourself. You need a higher power. You know, you can try and try, but you're just a mere mortal human, and you ain't gonna make it unless you have a higher power pushing you, helping you along.

I met Bob Dylan a few times. The first time was when I recorded "With God on Our Side." He played a gig there in New Orleans, and I went back stage with him and hung out with him awhile. It was spiritual, just hanging out with him, you know? I just like Bob, and I like his style. And I like where his heart's coming from, where his soul is. I'm glad I got to meet him, I'm glad he made the songs; and I'm glad I had the chance to do this song.

He gave me a voice, or She or whoever! It gave me a voice, and I feel when I'm singing, people tell me I'm helping them. Like one lady said, from stopping her from committing suicide. Well, my voice has been like medicine to me since I can remember. In my dark days. I remember reading this somewhere: He who sings prays twice. Have you ever heard that? When I sing, I'm coming from somewhere that I don't even know about. It's somewhere deep inside that I only vaguely can know it's there, but I don't really know what. I don't feel like it's me sometimes. You're being used as an instrument.