Tim McGraw Discusses How His Music Has Changed With Age, and the Type of Songs He No Longer Wants To Sing

Having spent over three decades in country music, Tim McGraw produced more than a few hit songs like “Live Like You Were Dying”, “It’s Your Love”, and “Just to See You Smile”. The singer landed over 20 No. 1 hits during his career. But now, with McGraw recently turning 58 years old, the country star opened up about how his taste in music changed given his age. Although not looking to end his career in the near future, McGraw did take more time when picking the songs he wanted to record. 

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Appearing on the TL’s Road House podcast with Tracy Lawrence, McGraw discussed his ongoing career in country music. While having produced a few songs surrounding partying, tailgating, and having fun, the star admitted he struggled with feeling comfortable due to his age. “I try to do fun songs every now and then, it’s hard the older you get to find a fun song and feel comfortable.”

Sharing his mindset with his current career, McGraw added, “You don’t feel like… you don’t wanna sing about tailgates and bikinis when you’re 58 years old. Occasionally you do if the song is right, but for me it’s like, what song is going to teach me a lesson? What song is gonna make me learn something about myself? And what song can I sing, that I interpret, that’s believable.”

[RELATED: “That’s One of the Ones I Hate Missing”: Tim McGraw Once Passed on a Song That Became a Huge Hit for Another Country Legend]

Tim McGraw Still Willing To Record A “Fun Ditty Song”

With McGraw wanting to find that perfect song, he noted how he wasn’t afraid to explore new sounds. “I’ve experimented with stuff. I’ve tried different things. I listen to all kinds of stuff, and I take things in that I like. Stuff that are new sounds, and then I’ll try to put my spin on it. And I’ve done stuff like ‘Looking For That Girl,’ and things like that are a little different and weird.” He continued, “I’m not always trying to experiment, but but I think I have a base sound, a sort of a base attitude about the kind of songs that I wanna do.”

Still throwing in a “Ditty” here and there, McGraw searched for more substance in the lyrics. “I’ll throw a fun ditty song in every now and then, I’ll throw a fun love song in every now and then, I’ll throw a fun cheating song in every now and then, but I’m always looking for a life affirmation song.”

Finding his way back to the studio, McGraw’s last album to hit shelves was back in 2023 with Standing Room Only. But with the country legend exploring new sounds and themes, it might be only a matter of time before he announces a new album.

(Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)