Taylor Swift Had ‘Yellowstone’ Actors Feeling Old and “Apprehensive” After Hearing Her 2006 Debut Single
When Taylor Swift released her debut single “Tim McGraw” in 2006, she instantly won over country music fans with her emotional lyrics and vocal talent. But the song’s namesake recently admitted he initially felt apprehensive about having the track named after him. In an interview last year, Tim McGraw opened up about his reaction when he first heard Swift’s tribute song that kicked off her monumental career. While flattered by her songwriting, as a young artist Swift made McGraw confront his own maturity.
How Did Tim McGraw Feel About Being the Subject of Taylor Swift’s First Hit?
Speaking to Apple Music Country in 2021, Tim McGraw recalled his mixed emotions upon learning about “Tim McGraw” saying:
“I thought, have I gotten to that age now to where they’re singing songs about me? Does that mean I’ve jumped the shark a bit? Is everything still cool?”
Naming her first single after the country star was a bold move by a then-unknown Taylor Swift. So it’s understandable why McGraw worried about what it might signify about his own place in the genre.
But once McGraw realized Swift wrote the song years earlier as a seventh grader, he felt relief. Being admired by a young rising talent didn’t make him feel quite so aged.
What Draws Tim McGraw to Taylor Swift’s Songwriting?
Beyond making McGraw confront his shifting role in country music, he also expressed admiration for Swift’s songwriting abilities at such a young age.
McGraw saw immense potential in Swift, later telling People this year:
“I remember thinking this girl has so much talent and so much moxie, and she’s so curious. We both absolutely fell in love with her instantly, as an artist and as a person.”
The emotional storytelling and vocal delivery on “Tim McGraw” proved Swift was far beyond her years as a musician. And McGraw remains impressed by her talents today.
How Has Their Bond Evolved Over 16 Years?
From her early opening slot on his tour to joining him onstage to sing together, Swift and McGraw have built a special mentorship over the past 16 years.
McGraw guided Swift on elements of the industry like promoting her work and hearing her artistic vision. But he also respects her independence, describing Swift as “the captain of her own ship.”
And his pride for Swift and all she’s achieved since naming her breakout single after him back in ’06 is still clear anytime McGraw talks about the global superstar Taylor Swift has become.
