If the Good Die Young
Encyclopedia
"If the Good Die Young" is the title of a song, written by Craig Wiseman
and Paul Nelson, and recorded by Tracy Lawrence
for his 1993 album Alibis
. The song was released in January 1994 as that album's fourth and final single, and in April of that year, it became that album's fourth consecutive Number One hit, reaching the top spot on the U.S. Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart and on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks chart.
. It describes a rebellious male character who claims that he will "live forever if the good die young".
was filmed at Charlotte Motor Speedway (now Lowe's Motor Speedway
) and features footage of NASCAR
drivers, including dedication to both Alan Kulwicki
and Davey Allison
who had been killed in off-track incidents in 1993. Lawrence drove a Chevrolet Lumina
with his name on it in the video.
Craig Wiseman
Craig Michael Wiseman is an American country music songwriter. Active since the late 1980s as a songwriter, he has had his songs recorded by Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, Kenny Chesney, LeAnn Rimes, and several other acts....
and Paul Nelson, and recorded by Tracy Lawrence
Tracy Lawrence
Tracy Lawrence is an American country music artist. He started at a country music restaurant called "Live At Libby's" where owner Libby Knight would help local talent find their way into country music...
for his 1993 album Alibis
Alibis (album)
Alibis is the second studio album by American country music artist Tracy Lawrence. Certified platinum in the United States, the album produced the singles "Can't Break It to My Heart", "Alibis", "My Second Home" and "If the Good Die Young", all Number One hits on the Billboard Hot Country Singles &...
. The song was released in January 1994 as that album's fourth and final single, and in April of that year, it became that album's fourth consecutive Number One hit, reaching the top spot on the U.S. Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart and on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks chart.
Content
The song is an up-tempo accompanied by electric guitarElectric guitar
An electric guitar is a guitar that uses the principle of direct electromagnetic induction to convert vibrations of its metal strings into electric audio signals. The signal generated by an electric guitar is too weak to drive a loudspeaker, so it is amplified before sending it to a loudspeaker...
. It describes a rebellious male character who claims that he will "live forever if the good die young".
Music video
The song's music videoMusic video
A music video or song video is a short film integrating a song and imagery, produced for promotional or artistic purposes. Modern music videos are primarily made and used as a marketing device intended to promote the sale of music recordings...
was filmed at Charlotte Motor Speedway (now Lowe's Motor Speedway
Lowe's Motor Speedway
Charlotte Motor Speedway is a motorsports complex located in Concord, North Carolina, United States 13 miles from Charlotte, North Carolina. The complex features a quad oval track that hosts NASCAR racing including the prestigious Coca-Cola 600 on Memorial Day weekend and the Sprint All-Star Race...
) and features footage of NASCAR
NASCAR
The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing is a family-owned and -operated business venture that sanctions and governs multiple auto racing sports events. It was founded by Bill France Sr. in 1947–48. As of 2009, the CEO for the company is Brian France, grandson of the late Bill France Sr...
drivers, including dedication to both Alan Kulwicki
Alan Kulwicki
Alan Dennis Kulwicki , nicknamed "Special K" and the "Polish Prince", was an American NASCAR Winston Cup Series racecar driver. He started racing at local short tracks in Wisconsin before moving up to regional stock car touring series...
and Davey Allison
Davey Allison
David Carl "Davey" Allison was a NASCAR driver. He was best known for driving the #28 Texaco-Havoline Ford for Robert Yates Racing in the Winston Cup Series. Born in Hollywood, Florida, he was the eldest of four children born to Bobby Allison and wife Judy...
who had been killed in off-track incidents in 1993. Lawrence drove a Chevrolet Lumina
Chevrolet Lumina
The North American Chevrolet Lumina sedan , coupe and minivan were first introduced in 1989 for the 1990 model year as a new range of vehicles from the Chevrolet brand of General Motors to replace the Chevrolet Camaro, Chevrolet Celebrity sedan, and the Monte Carlo coupe. The Lumina was an answer...
with his name on it in the video.
Chart positions
"If the Good Die Young" debuted at number 64 on the U.S. Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks for the week of February 5, 1994.| Chart (1994) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| U.S. Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks | 1 |
| Canadian RPM Country Tracks | 1 |