Tim McGraw Says Boys Aren’t Always Bad Men in “Real Good Man”

In 2003, Tim McGraw released “Real Good Man” as the fourth single off his album, Tim McGraw and the Dancehall Doctors. The song was such a hit it climbed all the way to the top spot of Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart while reaching No. 27 on Billboard Hot 100.

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Today, the up-tempo, rocking ballad remains a concert favorite and one of the best songs of Tim McGraw. Here’s how it came to life.

The Story Behind The Song 

Written by Rivers Rutherford and George Teren, “Real Good Man” finds Tim McGraw persuading a woman that while he may often behave badly, he’s actually a good man. He may drink too much and hang out with his rough and rowdy friends, but he always makes sure to treat his mama with the utmost respect. And when it comes to loving her woman, he does it best!

In an interview, Rutherford gave fans a glimpse of how the song came to life. Rutherford said that during one party, his friend walked up and told his wife, “I just love Rivers, and I’ll tell you why: Cause he’s a bad boy, but he’s a good man.”

Rutherford knew right then and there that he got a hit song on his hands. So, he went to Teren the next day to write the song. Then it landed in McGraw’s hands! In addition to recording the song, McGraw also co-produced “Real Good Man.” It also appeared on McGraw’s 2008 Greatest Hits 3, as well as his 2010 Number One Hits album.

Well, he clearly knows how to pick a hit song. You can listen to Tim McGraw’s “Real Good Man” by playing the video below.