This also appeared on my list from 2024, The 50 Most Important Songs 1980-Today (#38). The positive take on the aspect of facing your real end spoke directly to millions as we have all known, or know someone staring at the hope – of a no hope situation. This timeless message will resonate with fans forever and will be played on the radio forever. It will be as relevant 30 or 40 years from now. This also ended up with the right artist, can you imagine anyone else really singing this song? Yeah, me either. Songs in any format rarely have the impact this one did. A big #1, Grammy winner, CMA and ACM winner and going 5 times Platinum. Of all the great songs from McGraw over 35 years, this one stands a bit taller than the rest. If it’s possible for a Mega Star to have a “signature song” this would maybe – be it.
