One Of Those Lives

Album: This Is Country Music (2011)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Paisley explained the background to this song in an interview with Billboard magazine: "We venture into some touchy territory for me, which is dealing with childhood illness. The song talks about one of my favorite places in the world - St. Jude Children's Research Hospital - as well as Target House, which is the long-term stay facility that I'm actively involved in at St. Jude. Being able to say the words 'Target House' in a song is a victory because I've been there many times. It's saints at work."
  • Paisley wrote this tear-jerker about a family dealing with their little boy's cancer with Kelley Lovelace and Lee Thomas Miller.
  • Paisley gives a shout-out to a place close to his heart when he sings, "that family moving back into Target House." He told The Boot about Target House, which is part of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis. "Target House is where a family winds up if they are told their child is going to require more than six weeks worth of treatment," he explained. "Target House was built by Target as a place they can have the best situation a family could want, and that is they are together. The art room and the gym were both donated by my friend [ice skating champion] Scott Hamilton, who introduced me to this place. I donated the lodge, which is a hangout area in the center of the house where there's a pool table and Guitar Hero, TVs and a fireplace. It's just a place to hang out and play games. Amy Grant did the music room."

Comments: 1

  • Johnnie D from PennsylvaniaThis song saved my life.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Chad Channing (Nirvana, Before Cars)

Chad Channing (Nirvana, Before Cars)Songwriter Interviews

Chad tells tales from his time as drummer for Nirvana, and talks about his group Before Cars.

Justin Timberlake

Justin TimberlakeFact or Fiction

Was Justin the first to be Punk'd by Ashton Kutcher? Did Britney really blame him for her meltdown? Did his bandmates think he was gay?

How "A Rolling Stone Gathers No Moss" Became Rock's Top Proverb

How "A Rolling Stone Gathers No Moss" Became Rock's Top ProverbSong Writing

How a country weeper and a blues number made "rolling stone" the most popular phrase in rock.

Zakk Wylde

Zakk WyldeSongwriter Interviews

When he was playing Ozzfest with Black Label Society, a kid told Zakk he was the best Ozzy guitarist - Zakk had to correct him.

Holly Knight ("The Best," "Love Is A Battlefield")

Holly Knight ("The Best," "Love Is A Battlefield")Songwriter Interviews

Holly Knight talks about some of the hit songs she wrote, including "The Warrior," "Never" and "The Best," and explains some songwriting philosophy, including how to think of a bridge.

Ian Anderson: "The delight in making music is that you don't have a formula"

Ian Anderson: "The delight in making music is that you don't have a formula"Songwriter Interviews

Ian talks about his 3 or 4 blatant attempts to write a pop song, and also the ones he most connected with, including "Locomotive Breath."