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Tim McGraw’s “If You’re Reading This” Pays Tribute To Fallen Heroes

Tim McGraw's "If You're Reading This"
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.

Representing the soldiers who fought for their country is what Tim McGraw’s “If You’re Reading This” single is all about. You’ll get a whirlwind of emotions simply by listening to the message of the song. True enough, everyone has appreciated McGraw and his songwriting team’s gesture to honor these fallen heroes.

Historical Patriotic Song

Many Tim McGraw songs have touched the lives of listeners. The country star knows that good music can change people and their perspectives. In this case, “If You’re Reading This” has shed light on the modern silent heroes who fight selflessly.

A little fact about this song:

 It was not intended for it to play on the charts during the first time Tim McGraw took it to the stage. The country icon performed the song on the May 15, 2017, live broadcast of CBS for the Academy of Country Music (ACM) Awards in Las Vegas, Nevada. Shortly after the performance, radio stations played it through cutting that specific performance. It’s amazing how despite the lack of studio recording, it debuted at No. 35 on the Billboard Country Songs.

A take of a soldier’s letter to his family, some soldiers have a personal letter that would only be sent to his family if something happens to him or if he died. In this touching McGraw hit, The Warren Brothers duo, Brad and Brett Warren, were the ones who helped pen it approximately three weeks before the said awards night. They were inspired by a magazine feature about war casualties.

Inspiring Performance

What Tim McGraw’s songs bring to the table are genuine messages and emotions. Performing “If You’re Reading This” at the awards show brought tears to the audience when one hundred relatives of soldiers joined him onstage. They held a banner that read “Families of Fallen Heroes,” which touched many hearts among listeners and gave the group a standing ovation.

This track doubled on the charts and his other hit track, “I Need You,” a duet with his lovely and equally talented wife Faith Hill. Soon, both songs climbed the charts earning him awards after awards from prestigious music associations. It’s actually the second song of McGraw to chart from a live performance succeeding his 2001 explosive track “Things Change,” which was taped during CMA awards.

You can re-watch the historical moment of Tim McGraw’s “If You’re Reading This” performance below.

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