Her lyrics make her out to be a bad-ass, but in real life, country artist Miranda Lambert is, well, pretty much the same.

The three time Grammy nominated singer/songwriter may not be quite as uninhibited as the characters in her music, but she does manage to play the self-proclaimed role of a tomboy, especially while playing on her farm.

"I do have my girly side, but, when I'm on the farm I like to go out with no makeup on and be outdoors," Lambert said. "I love to ride horses, to hunt and fish and ride four-wheelers. I definitely have a tomboy side when I'm in my down time."

It may not be that surprising that Lambert has made a name for herself in country music as playing the wild child. She's sang about lighting an ex's house on fire in "Kerosene," exclaiming, "Light ‘em up and watch them burn, teach them what they need to learn, ha!"

She followed it up with "Gun Powder and Lead," a song she wrote about waiting at home for a less-than-charming boyfriend to return from jail. Lambert impatiently explains her need for revenge: "He wants a fight well now he's got one/And he ain't seen me crazy yet."

And while she may not have actually sat at home with a six-pack waiting to "pull the trigger," some of the inspiration was real.

"I was getting my concealed handgun license when I wrote that song and the chorus was really inspired by it," she said of the course she took in her hometown. "I was in this class learning all about guns and what the different parts were named so it was really perfect for me to be there while I was writing that song."

While her songs may not be a direct representation of herself, it's clear she's been able to write her personality into numerous songs as well as show off her wild side while on stage.

"I feel like my job is not only to make records and be a singer/songwriter, but to entertain people; this is the entertainment business," she said. "I feel like when I'm on stage I just kind of become a different person. Even if I don't feel like being on that day, it‘s what people come to see."

If all else fails, Lambert's key expectation is for her fans to show their inner wild child too.

"Our main goal is for people to come out, have a beer with us, party and just really have a great time."

Photo: Randee St. Nicholas

Miranda Lambert, opening for Brad Paisley
Van Andel Arena, Grand Rapids
Jan. 23, 7:30 p.m.
$39.75 & $54.75
vanandelarena.com, 616-742-6610