#852: Tim McGraw — Starting Late with a $20 Guitar, Selling 100M+ Records, and 30+ Years of Creative Longevity

Tim Ferriss introduces Tim McGraw, highlighting his impressive sales of over 106 million records worldwide and his diverse career. McGraw attributes his longevity to prioritizing great songs, noting that this should be the first check on any artist's list. While he writes for each project, the song always wins, regardless of its origin. McGraw mentions that he now gravitates towards songs with deeper meaning that resonate with people's lives, rather than just fun songs about "Daisy Dukes and tailgates."

McGraw shares the story behind "Live Like You Were Dying," written after his father's brain cancer diagnosis. He didn't play it for his dad, feeling it inappropriate. The song was recorded in upstate New York in a Dutch farmhouse, decked out with Persian rugs and furniture. McGraw invited his uncle Hank, Tug's older brother, to join the recording. Late one night, amidst a magical atmosphere with fireplaces roaring and Hank smoking a joint, they recorded the song, with Hank's emotional presence deeply influencing the record.

McGraw describes the feeling of "God walking through the room" during recording sessions. He recounts the story of "Indian Outlaw," a song initially rejected by his label for being too controversial. He played it in clubs and people loved it. He fought to include it on his second album, feeling it would either make or break his career. He also discusses "Don't Take the Girl," a powerful song that still chokes him up.

McGraw discusses creative and physical longevity, emphasizing focus as key. He reveals he had four back surgeries and double knee replacements, almost ending his career. He expresses his need to be the underdog and the importance of being hungry, both metaphorically and literally. He mentions his gym is his meditation. He describes his past workout routine of three workouts a day, but acknowledges it likely hastened his injuries.

McGraw details his current workout regimen, which includes walking, bodyweight exercises, and circuit training. He emphasizes being more deliberate and careful, incorporating red light therapy, steam, and cold plunges. He reflects on his high pain tolerance being a curse. He recounts discovering his birth certificate at age 11, revealing that Tug McGraw, a professional baseball player, was his biological father.

McGraw reflects on the importance of teaching children to be optimistic. He recounts his musical beginnings, driven by his mother's love for music. He bought a guitar in college to impress girls, learning to play by watching CMT. He describes his first gig at a catfish house. He was voted platoon leader in a military science class, almost joining the Marines, but ultimately chose to move to Nashville on a Greyhound bus.

McGraw describes the impact of moving to Nashville, emphasizing the energy and competition among like-minded musicians. He highlights the immersion experience of playing music every night and learning from other singers and songwriters. He stresses the importance of recognizing when you're being held back and surrounding yourself with aspirational people.

McGraw credits his wife, Faith Hill, with saving his life, helping him slow down his hard-partying lifestyle. He emphasizes her magic and the importance of not wanting to lose her. He recounts a morning where he realized he had a bottle of whiskey in his hand and asked her for help. He describes fatherhood as changing his definition of love and taking selfishness out of him.

McGraw discusses learning what not to do, emphasizing the importance of being prepared. He shares his most embarrassing moment in the music business: failing to sing the second verse of "Glory Days" with Bruce Springsteen at a Music Cares event. He also mentions the pressure of performing at the Oscars.

McGraw discusses rebuilding his career after the legal battle, emphasizing the importance of choosing the right partner, Scott Borchetta. He highlights the importance of taking charge of your career, being confident in your decisions, and being willing to say no. He notes that people want to please people, but if you don't learn to say no, you're in trouble.

McGraw discusses distinguishing between opportunities and temptations. He mentions that the older he gets, the more he has to say no. He details his upcoming Pawn Shop Guitar Tour, starting in July, with The Chicks joining for stadium dates. He describes the fun of building the stage and putting the show together, aiming to create a movie for the audience.

McGraw describes the feeling of magic nights on stage, creating a symbiotic relationship with the audience and entering an alternate universe of joy. He emphasizes the importance of humility and kindness, stating that the world needs more of both. He shares that the song "Humble and Kind" represents so much of what the world needs.