Even Tim McGraw Forgets His Lyrics — But Thankfully, Fans Are There To Help

He’s been in the music business for 30 years, but even Tim McGraw forgets his lyrics sometimes.  

In an interview with his record label, the country superstar opened up about his return to the road this summer and fall and admitted he had to really think about his lyrics after being off the road for so long. It also didn’t help that he’s in the midst of working on a new album. 

“We haven’t played the new record because when the new album came out, you know, everything sort of went to hell in a handbasket,” McGraw shared, referencing the events of 2020. “And then in the meantime, I’ve started working on a new album. So, I’ve been in the studio learning new songs and learning all the new lyrics.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

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When it came time to return to the touring circuit, McGraw says he had to brush up on some of his songs — even one of his biggest hits. 

“In fact, the other day I was on the treadmill and I was thinking, well, I’ve got a show comin ‘up, let me see what I can think of,” he recalled. “And I was trying to sing ‘Live Like You Were Dying,’ and I’m like, ‘Oh my God, I can’t remember the lyrics to ‘Live Like You Were Dying’.’ So, I’m hoping that I’ve done this long enough, 30 years now, that maybe muscle memory will kick in and I’ll remember all the lyrics when I get on stage.”

Thankfully, McGraw’s dedicated fans are there to help.

“But here’s one of the great things about being around for so long and havin’ hit songs, is a lot of times when you’re holding a microphone out and people know all the words and they’re singing, they’re like, ‘Alright! Great! He’s lettin’ us sing.’ But most the time it’s because I forgot the lyrics and you know ‘em better than I do,” he joked. 

The three-time GRAMMY winner has even more lines to memorize this fall as he’s currently taping for his role in 1883, the highly anticipated Yellowstone prequel. Premiering on December 19, 2021, the show will co-star McGraw’s wife and fellow country superstar, Faith Hill, as well as Sam Elliott. 

McGraw has plenty of live dates on the books for the remainder of the year. 

“7500 OBO,” McGraw’s latest single from his Here On Earth album, is out now.