Clay Walker (born August 19, 1969) was born and raised on a farm in Beaumont, TX, the hometown of George Jones. Walker fell in love with country music at an early age, when his father gave him a guitar when he was only nine years old. After he graduated from high school, Walker pursued a musical career full-time, playing concerts across the South, the Midwest, and Canada. For over three years, he toured and went to school, taking courses about the music business. During this time, he acted as his own manager. Eventually, he became the house singer at the Neon Armadillo bar in Beaumont. While performing at the club, producer James Stroud heard Walker and offered to work with the singer. Stroud helped Walker secure a contract with Giant Records, and the pair began working on the vocalist's debut album.
"What's It to You" became a number one hit upon its release in August of 1993, with "Live Until I Die" following it into the pole position later that same year. Both singles were featured on his debut album, Clay Walker, which was released in the fall of 1993. "Where Do I Fit in the Picture," the third single from the album, became a number 11 hit in early 1994. "White Palace" was a flop, failing to crack the Top 40, but "Dreaming With My Eyes Open" became his third number one hit in the summer of 1994, helping make his debut record a platinum album. If I Could Make a Living was not quite as successful as his debut, yet it still yielded the number one title track. Hypnotize the Moon, Walker's third album, appeared in the fall of 1995, preceded by the number two single "Who Needs You Baby." He followed with Self Portrait in 1996 and Rumor Has It in 1997. A Greatest Hits collection appeared in 1998 and a new album, Live, Laugh, Love, was released in 1999. Say No More followed two years later.
Live Until I Die
Clay Walker Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Laughin' at all my best friends jokes
Things I loved when I was a kid
Muddy roads, muddy feet
I didn't live on no blacktop street
Things have changed a lot but I never did
And I don't want to think about tomorrow
I don't have to beg, steal, or borrow
I just want to live until I die
Livin' right, livin' in this little old town I grew up in
But I still held on to my dreams
Standin' proud, standin' tall
Standin' smack dab in the middle of it all
I don't worry 'bout things that I can't change
And I don't want to think about tomorrow
I don't need anything money can buy
I don't have to beg, steal, or borrow
I just want to live until I die
And everything around me are
Things I dearly love
And every night I get on my knees and thank
The lord above
And I don't want to think about tomorrow
I don't need anything money can buy
I don't have to beg, steal, or borrow
I just want to live until I die
I don't have to beg, steal, or borrow
I just want to live until I die
Clay Walker's Live Until I Die is a song about the desire to live life to its fullest, without worrying about tomorrow and material possessions. The singer nostalgically recalls simpler times from his childhood, such as skipping rocks and ropes and laughing at his friends' jokes. He talks about how things have changed a lot, but he has not lost his appreciation for the small, meaningful things in life. The singer also speaks of his pride in his roots and his dreams, and how he does not worry about the things he cannot change.
The theme of the song is clear - life is about enjoying the moment and being grateful for the things we have. The singer has a deep appreciation for the people and the town in which he grew up. He is not concerned with wealth or material possessions, but rather with living until he dies, enjoying the little things and being content with what he has.
Overall, "Live Until I Die" is a song that encourages listeners to take each day as it comes and to appreciate the little things in life. It's a reminder that we don't need material wealth or all the answers to be happy. It's about being content with what we have and enjoying every moment, no matter how seemingly insignificant.
Line by Line Meaning
Skippin' rocks, skippin' rope
Remembering the simple joys of childhood, like skipping rocks and rope.
Laughin' at all my best friends jokes
Enjoying the company of friends and having fun together by laughing at their jokes.
Things I loved when I was a kid
Reflecting on the things that were loved during childhood.
Muddy roads, muddy feet
Knowing the joy of running around in the mud, without worrying about getting dirty.
I didn't live on no blacktop street
Growing up in a different and simpler time when life was not lived on paved roads.
Things have changed a lot but I never did
Even though times have changed, the desire to live simply and enjoy life remains the same.
And I don't want to think about tomorrow
Choosing not to worry about the future but rather focus on living in the moment.
I don't need anything money can buy
Finding contentment and happiness in the simple things in life, not relying on material possessions.
I don't have to beg, steal, or borrow
Not needing to resort to unethical means to find happiness or fulfill desires.
I just want to live until I die
Wishing to spend life enjoying the present moment, without worrying about the future.
Livin' right, livin' in this little old town I grew up in
Living a good and honest life in the same town where childhood memories were made.
But I still held on to my dreams
Aware of the importance of chasing dreams even if one chooses to not leave their hometown.
Standin' proud, standin' tall
Being proud of the life that has been built, standing firm in the belief that it is the right way to live.
Standin' smack dab in the middle of it all
Being content with the simple and ordinary life, standing in the center of their world.
I don't worry 'bout things that I can't change
Avoiding stress and anxiety by accepting what cannot be changed and instead focusing on enjoying the present.
And everything around me are
Being surrounded by all of the things that are appreciated and loved in life.
Things I dearly love
Looking around and realizing that everything is cherished and brings joy.
And every night I get on my knees and thank
Expressing gratitude for the simple and wonderful life that has been experienced.
The lord above
Acknowledging the presence and importance of a higher power in life.
I don't have to beg, steal, or borrow
Continuing to live an honest and simple life, without resorting to unethical behavior.
I just want to live until I die
Continuing to enjoy life and appreciate the present, without worrying about the future or material possessions.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: CHUCK CLEAVER, DAVID R. MORRISON, JOHN ERHARDT, RANDY CHEEK
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
kittykait
Skippin' rocks, skippin' rope
Laughin' at all my best friends jokes
Things I loved when I was a kid
Muddy roads, muddy feet
I didn't live on no blacktop street
Things have changed a lot but I never did
And I don't want to think about tomorrow
I don't need anything money can buy
I don't have to beg, steal, or borrow
I just want to live until I die
Livin' right, livin' in this little old town I grew up in
But I still held on to my dreams
Standin' proud, standin' tall
Standin' smack dab in the middle of it all
I don't worry 'bout things that I can't change
And I don't want to think about tomorrow
I don't need anything money can buy
I don't have to beg, steal, or borrow
I just want to live until I die
And everything around me are
Things I dearly love
And every night I get on my knees and thank
The lord above
And I don't want to think about tomorrow
I don't need anything money can buy
I don't have to beg, steal, or borrow
I just want to live until I die
I don't have to beg, steal, or borrow
I just want to live until I die
Tommy Luce
I wasn't alive when his music was big so none of my friends know who Clay Walker is but this is some quality music right here.
eric coleman
Tommy Luce grab some cds and teach them what real country music is
UB Roberts
Good for you Tommy! It is great music.
mark sgarlata
They don’t make country like this anymore you missed a great age in country music
Justin Wetzel
same with me buddy. people don't know what good country music is nowadays.
Dabney Scholler
90s country was the best! I saw Clay in concert for the first time when I was 10, it was awesome !
Tony C
"I dont worry about things I can't change". One of the greatest lines in music and life
Jon Hildahl
That line made quite an impression on me as a teenager & to this day I try my hardest to not worry about things that I can't change. It'll eat ya up.
Travis
Don't get any more classic than this. SO happy I grew up in this era. Brings back memories.
Amie Jane
A pure country song i still love even after almost 25 years or more since it was released. Still have the single cassette somewhere