Trace Adkins is a country music singer who is known to his legions of fans for his dry wit. That’s why it’s come as something of a surprise that he is showing his serious side by playing a wounded veteran in the new movie Bennett’s War.

The movie tells the story of a veteran who returns home seriously wounded and ends up saving his family’s farm. During an appearance on the “Today” show, Adkins opened up about what it was like to play Cal, the father of the veteran.

“Well, because I do work a lot with veteran’s organizations and it’s just so inspirational to me to hang out with these folks, these heroes, so this is something that is near and dear to my heart,” he said. “And so, when I read this script, it was just a no-brainer. It was like, ‘yeah, please allow me to be a part of this project.’ It is that story about a wounded veteran coming home and struggling to get back to some sense of normalcy. Which I don’t know that racing dirt bikes is considering normal by many people, but that’s his life, that’s who he is, and it’s his struggle to get back to doing what he loves. It’s just a really good, really nice inspirational story and I’m proud to be a part of it.”

Later in the interview, Adkins explained that his signature husky, deep voice developed when he was just 14.

“It just keeps getting deeper,” he said. “At some point, you won’t be able to understand what I’m saying, I guess.”

Bennett’s War is now playing in theaters around the country. Check out Adkins’ interview about it below.