Everyone is at a different point in their lives. Sometimes human nature kicks in and we can’t help but to compare ourselves to others. It becomes a zero-sum game. The world seems like a vast place, but in reality, it is a small part of creation. People are not very much different from each other. We all go through similar situations. We all climb the same mountains. As we learn throughout our lives, we discover how to handle it when life presents difficult challenges.
It’s all about a constructive frame of mind. Too many people take life for granted. They may believe they possess unlimited time. However, our journeys throughout life are finite. While the soul and spirit may be eternal, our destiny (for now) is to embrace each moment in life. Every moment should be celebrated as it is an incredible gift.
Some people do not take their life for granted. Particularly those with serious health issues. They know what it feels like to have a difficult time. They also know that life is a gift and it’s worth fighting for. They truly appreciate and celebrate what they have in the moment. These individuals were the inspiration for writing and composing the country music hit, “Live Like You Were Dying.”
“Live Like You Were Dying” was the first single from Tim McGraw’s eight album of the same name. It was written by Tim Nichols and Craig Wiseman who were inspired by people fighting cancer. The song was released in 2004. It topped the Billboard country music charts, won Single of the Year and Song of the Year at the 2004 Country Music Association Awards, and a Grammy Award for Best Country Song.
Lyrics
He said
“I was in my early forties
With a lot of life before me
When a moment came that stopped me on a dime
I spent most of the next days
Looking at the x-rays
And talkin’ ’bout the options
And talkin’ ’bout sweet time”
The character in the lyrics is a young man. He’s only in his early forties. From a songwriting perspective, the character’s age aims to get listeners to think about the significance of obstacles appearing before someone so young. He acknowledges that he has a lot of life in front of him, but this concept is juxtaposed against the idea of an impending health condition that jeopardizes his ability to experience that life. At this point in the song, the character does not realize he should summon the strength to live life to the fullest and truly appreciate what you have.
I asked him
“When it sank in
That this might really be the real end
How’s it hit you
When you get that kind of news?
Man, what’d you do?”
Confusion. Uneasiness. Anxiety. Questioning how and why this were to happen? And what can I do going forward? The songwriting here is brilliant. This portion of the lyrics establishes the character as being in an uncomfortable situation and frame of mind. The songwriters did this in order to provide a solution in the chorus.
And he said
“I went skydiving
I went Rocky Mountain climbing
I went 2.7 seconds on a bull named Fumanchu
And I loved deeper
And I spoke sweeter
And I gave forgiveness I’d been denying”
And he said
“Someday I hope you get the chance
To live like you were dying”
Everyone should strive to live life to the fullest. It is also important to note that it’s never too late to change. We all have the ability to turn our energy and perspectives into something that can improve our lives and make the world better.
Vocals
Tim McGraw sings with an easiness, effortlessly projecting each note. The simplicity of his musical approach makes the song easy to listen to and increases the possibility of observers adopting the messages within the lyrics.
Instrumentation
The song is based in piano, drum and guitar. The piano notes at the begging of the song establishes the tone for the remaining of the song and performance.
Performance
Tim McGraw has been performing this song for nearly two decades now and it is still very popular; many music critics consider it one of the best country songs ever recorded.