"I, on the other hand, have a bit of a southern accent"

This quote by Michael W. Smith is most likely referring to the fact that he has a distinct southern accent. This is likely due to the reality that he was born and raised in Kenova, West Virginia, which lies in the southern United States. His accent is likely an outcome of the culture and dialect of the area he matured in. This quote might likewise be interpreted as a way of revealing his pride in his southern roots. He is proud of his accent and the culture it represents. It is a pointer of his training and the values he was taught growing up. His accent is a part of his identity and he is proud to share it with the world.