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Tim McGraw’s “Live Like You Were Dying” Will Help You Reflect On Your Life

Tim McGraw's "Live Like You Were Dying"
by
  • Arden is a Senior Country Music Journalist for Country Thang Daily, specializing in classic hits and contemporary chart-toppers.
  • Prior to joining Country Thang Daily, Arden wrote for Billboard and People magazine, covering country music legends and emerging artists.
  • Arden holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of Tennessee, with a minor in Music Studies.

You will ask yourself essential questions once you listen to Tim McGraw’s “Live Like You Were Dying.” This piece is an emotional one that aims to inspire people going through a challenging situation like an incurable illness or death.

Sentimental In All Parts

“Live Like You Were Dying” isn’t only about tugging on emotions. Tim Nichols and Craig Wiseman were the talented songwriting team pulled inspiration from a friend who had a misdiagnosis of lung cancer. As the shocking news befalls on the family and friends, Nichols and Wiseman saw how people had a new perspective on life when they learn of their limited time. Anything can happen in a blink of an eye. That’s why they asked themselves this question: What will they do if they don’t have much time left?

The song tells the story of a 40-year-old man who gets the news that his father has a life-threatening illness. His father then gave him a message about living life to the fullest and do what he wants to do. He did skydiving, fishing, bull riding, and mountain climbing based on the chorus. He also said that he became a better husband and friend.

Tim McGraw changed perspective in the latter part, and he turned to be the protagonist. The country crooner talked about how he misses fishing with his dad and how he finally got to read the Bible. He looked back to his life and remembered his father’s words that’s why he did the things he wanted to do the most.

“Live Like You Were Dying” is a dedication to his late father, Tug McGraw, hospitalized with a brain tumor diagnosis on March 12, 2003. It was then revealed that the senior McGraw had cancer and later died on January 5, 2004.

Status On The Charts

2004 was one of the successful years for Tim McGraw songs. “Live Like You Were Dying” gained exceptional recognition in the US, such as being dubbed as the biggest country song for the year by Billboard. Moreover, the hit track won several awards, including Single of the Year and Song of the Year, all given at the Country Music Association Awards and the Academy of Country Music Awards. Lastly, the sentimental piece received another recognition Grammy Award for Best Country Song.

Listen and get inspired with Tim McGraw’s “Live Like You Were Dying” official video below.

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