If Today Was Your Last Day
Nickelback Lyrics


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My best friend gave me the best advice
He said, "Each day's a gift and not a given right"
Leave no stone unturned, leave your fears behind
And try to take the path less traveled by
That first step you take is the longest stride
(What if? What if?)

If today was your last day
And tomorrow was too late
Could you say goodbye to yesterday? (Would you? Would you?)
Would you live each moment like your last?
Leave old pictures in the past?
Donate every dime you have? (Would you? Would you?)
If today was your last day
(What if? What if?)
(If today was your last day)

Against the grain should be a way of life
What's worth the prize is always worth the fight
Every second counts 'cause there's no second try
So live it like you're never livin' twice
Don't take the free ride in your own life
(What if? What if?)

If today was your last day
And tomorrow was too late
Could you say goodbye to yesterday? (Would you? Would you?)
Would you live each moment like your last?
Leave old pictures in the past?
Donate every dime you have? (Would you? Would you?)
And would you call old friends you never see?
Reminisce old memories?
Would you forgive your enemies? (Could you? Could you?)
And would you find that one you're dreamin' of?
Swear up and down to God above
That you'd finally fall in love? (Finally fall in love)
If today was your last day

If today was your last day
Would you make your mark
By mending a broken heart?
You know it's never too late
To shoot for the stars
Regardless of who you are
So do whatever it takes
'Cause you can't rewind
A moment in this life
Let nothin' stand in your way
'Cause the hands of time
Are never on your side

If today was your last day
And tomorrow was too late
Could you say goodbye to yesterday?
Would you live each moment like your last?
Leave old pictures in the past?
Donate every dime you have? (Would you? Would you?)
And would you call old friends you never see?
Reminisce old memories?
Would you forgive your enemies? (Could you? Could you?)
And would you find that one you're dreamin' of?
Swear up and down to God above




That you'd finally fall in love? (What if? What if?)
If today was your last day

Overall Meaning

The Nickelback song "If Today Was Your Last Day" is a powerful reminder to live life to the fullest and not take a single day for granted. The song's lyrics are based on the idea that if you knew it was your last day on Earth, how would you spend it? The song’s opening lines are "My best friend gave me the best advice; he said each day is a gift and not a given right." This is powerful advice because it urges people to appreciate what they have rather than taking it for granted.


The chorus poses a series of 'what if' questions, asking listeners to consider how they would live their life if they knew it was coming to an end. The lyrics urge people to live each moment like it's their last and to embrace opportunities to do what they want to do, even if it means taking the path less traveled. The song also encourages people to spend time with loved ones, forgive enemies, and mend broken relationships before it's too late.


Overall, "If Today Was Your Last Day" is a song about maximizing the time we have in life and not letting a single opportunity pass us by. It's a reminder to appreciate what we have, be true to ourselves, and make the most of every moment.


Line by Line Meaning

My best friend gave me the best advice
The singer received valuable advice from their best friend.


He said, "Each day's a gift and not a given right"
The singer's friend reminded them that life should be treasured and appreciated.


Leave no stone unturned, leave your fears behind
The singer encourages the listener to take risks and not be held back by fear.


And try to take the path less traveled by
The artist suggests that the listener should choose a unique and unconventional path in life.


That first step you take is the longest stride
The artist acknowledges that taking the first step towards a goal can be the most difficult part.


If today was your last day
The song poses the hypothetical scenario of living as if today was the listener's last day on earth.


And tomorrow was too late
This line emphasizes the urgency of living one's life to the fullest, as there is no guarantee of tomorrow.


Could you say goodbye to yesterday? (Would you? Would you?)
The artist asks if the listener would be able to let go of the past and focus on the present moment.


Would you live each moment like your last?
The artist questions if the listener would make the most of every opportunity and live life to the fullest.


Leave old pictures in the past?
The artist asks if the listener would be able to move on from past memories and experiences.


Donate every dime you have? (Would you? Would you?)
The singer suggests giving generously, perhaps even giving away all of one's wealth.


And would you call old friends you never see?
The artist asks if the listener would reach out to old friends they may have lost touch with over time.


Reminisce old memories?
The singer asks if the listener would look back on past experiences with fondness and nostalgia.


Would you forgive your enemies? (Could you? Could you?)
The singer asks if the listener would be willing to let go of grudges and forgive those who have wronged them.


And would you find that one you're dreamin' of?
The singer asks if the listener would pursue their dreams, perhaps even seeking out a romantic relationship they have long desired.


Swear up and down to God above
The artist adds a sense of solemnity and importance to the idea of pursuing one's dreams.


That you'd finally fall in love? (Finally fall in love)
The song implies that finding love could be a life-changing event, and the listener should not let the opportunity pass them by.


Against the grain should be a way of life
The singer suggests that defying convention and taking an unconventional path may be a better way to live.


What's worth the prize is always worth the fight
The singer points out that anything worth having requires effort and determination to achieve.


Every second counts 'cause there's no second try
The artist emphasizes that time is precious and there are no second chances in life.


So live it like you're never livin' twice
The artist suggests that the listener should live in the moment and make the most of every opportunity, as there is no guarantee of a second chance.


Don't take the free ride in your own life
The artist warns against simply going through the motions and not taking an active role in shaping one's own life.


Would you make your mark
The song asks the listener if they would leave a positive impact on the world.


By mending a broken heart?
The artist suggests that helping others and being a source of comfort could be a meaningful way to make a difference.


You know it's never too late
The song emphasizes that it is never too late to pursue one's dreams and make a positive change in the world.


To shoot for the stars
The singer encourages the listener to aim high and have lofty goals.


Regardless of who you are
The singer suggests that anyone, no matter their background or circumstances, can achieve greatness if they set their mind to it.


So do whatever it takes
The song encourages the listener to be persistent and do whatever is necessary to achieve their goals.


'Cause you can't rewind
The artist reminds the listener that once time has passed, it cannot be taken back or redone.


A moment in this life
The song emphasizes the preciousness and fleeting nature of life's moments.


Let nothin' stand in your way
The singer encourages the listener to overcome any obstacles that may hinder their progress towards achieving their goals.


'Cause the hands of time
The song personifies time as a force that cannot be controlled or stopped.


Are never on your side
The artist implies that time can be an enemy, and that it is up to the listener to make the most of their time while they have it.




Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Chad Kroeger

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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