Tim McGraw, at 58, says he no longer feels “comfortable” singing about “tailgates and bikinis.”
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The country artist expressed a preference for recording songs that “teach me something new about myself.”
Tim McGraw, known for his heartfelt music, is committed to maintaining that approach as he advances in his career.
The 58-year-old country star spoke candidly about recording what he calls “fun songs” but admitted he’s become less interested in singing about typical country themes.
“I try to include fun songs now and then, but as you get older, it’s harder to find one that feels right,” he shared on Tracy Lawrence’s TL’s Road House podcast on May 21. “At 58, you don’t really want to be singing about tailgates and bikinis—unless the song is just right.”
McGraw explained that his main priority has always been to record songs that offer personal insights, a theme evident in his popular tracks such as “Live Like You Were Dying” and “Humble and Kind.”
He added, “The challenge lies in finding a song that helps me discover something new about myself and one that I can deliver with genuine emotion. I’ve explored various styles and approaches over time.”
He highlighted his 2014 song “Lookin’ for that Girl” as a standout example, describing it as “different and unusual” due to its hip-hop-inspired production and use of Auto-Tune.
“I’m not constantly trying to push boundaries,” he explained. “But I do have a core sound and a general attitude toward the types of songs I want to create. Occasionally, I’ll include a lighthearted tune, a playful love song, or even a fun cheating song. Still, my focus is always on songs that offer a positive, life-affirming message.”
McGraw — married to fellow country artist Faith Hill since 1996 — also mentioned that he recently passed on several tracks he felt were “a bit too youthful” for him to his nephew, Timothy Wayne, who is emerging as a country music artist.
The couple, known for hits like “Something Like That,” are parents to three daughters: Audrey (23), Gracie (28), and Maggie (26). Recently, they showed their support for Gracie during her performance in The Great War & The Great Gatsby at Carnegie Hall in New York City this past April.
According to a source who spoke with PEOPLE, the two stars were very encouraging and gave Gracie a warm standing ovation after the show, with Hill even seen wiping away tears during the event.