Travis Tritt – It’s A Great Day To Be Alive (with lyrics)
Inspiration Behind It’s a Great Day to be Alive:
Darrell Scott wrote “It’s a Great Day to be Alive” back in 1997. These lyrics spoke to Travis Tritt, inspiring him to record his own version of this song in 2000. Travis’ opening reflects a deep sense of appreciation and gratitude for life. This is why It’s a Great Day to be Alive still resonates with listeners today.
Biblical Application:
But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. 21 For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. 22 For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. 23 But each in turn: Christ, the firstfruits; then, when he comes, those who belong to him, 1 Corinthians 15:20-23.
Exegesis of t’s a Great Day to be Alive:
I got a rice cookin’ in the microwave
Got a three-day beard I don’t plan to shave
And it’s a goofy thing but I just gotta say
Hey I’m a-doin’ alright
A brief glimpse of Travis’ laid-back life. Travis doesn’t care about appearances, he is simply chilling.
Yeah I think I’ll make me some homemade soup
Feelin’ pretty good and that’s the truth
It’s neither drink nor drug-induced
No I’m just doin’ alright
Travis is at a good place in his life, excited about making homemade soup. Travis is drug free at this point in his life.
And it’s a great day to be alive
I know the sun’s still shinin’ when I close my eyes
There’s some hard times in the neighborhood
But why can’t every day be just this good?
Sometimes a change in attitude makes all the difference. This mindset helps Travis notice the sun as well as focusing on the positive, not the negative.
Oh, yeah
It’s been fifteen years since I left home
Said good luck to every seed I’d sown
Give it my best and then I left it alone
Oh, I hope they’re doin’ alright
Now I look in the mirror and what do I see?
A lone wolf there starin’ back at me
Travis reflects upon the past 15 years of his life. Leaving a farm to pursue a music career. Travis uses a metaphor of looking into a mirror to where he has been and who his parents, especially his father, has become.
Long in the tooth but harmless as can be
Lord I guess he’s doin’ alright
His father seems to be doing good as well.
And it’s a great day to be alive
I know the sun’s still shinin’ when I close my eyes
There’s some hard times in the neighborhood
But why can’t every day be just this good?
Travis has decided to see life with a half-glass full perspective.
Sometimes it’s lonely
Sometimes it’s only me
And the shadows that fill this room
Sometimes I’m fallin’
Desperately callin’
Howlin’ at the moon
Ah-ooooooh
Ah-ooooooh
Yeah, yeah
Uh huh
Staying positive isn’t easy, especially when you’re alone. Imagines of fear and darkness, needing a friend.
Well I might go get me a new tattoo
Or take my old Harley for a three-day cruise
Might even grow me a Fu Manchu
Travis describes himself as a free spirit, providing insight into his thoughts for this day.
And it’s a great day to be alive
I know the sun’s still shinin’ when I close my eyes
There’s some hard times in the neighborhood
But why can’t every day be just this good?
It’s a great day to be alive
I know the sun’s still shinin’ when I close my eyes
There’s some hard times in the neighborhood
But why can’t every day be just this good?
Travis is real, acknowledging that not everything is fine, but he is making the most of life. Travis’ thinking is like a beacon of life, putting a positive spin and trying to convince others that today can be a great day.
Ah-ooooooh
Oh, yeah-e-yeah
Yes, today can be a great day if you let it.
Final Thoughts:
After struggling with depression for most of my childhood due to a severe speech impediment, I made a decision to become optimistic. This decision coincided with a decision to make Jesus my Savior, Romans 10:9-10. I was tired of being a Debbie downer, making everyone around me miserable. Subsequently, as God began to change my heart, the Holy Spirit began to transform my mind. This is when I began to see for myself that today is a great day to be alive.
by Jay Mankus
