One Of Those Nights

Album: Two Lanes of Freedom (2012)
Charted: 32
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This fun, uptempo tune is the second single from Two Lanes of Freedom, Tim McGraw's first album with Big Machine Records after a long legal battle with his previous label, Curb. The title possibly alludes to McGraw's lawsuit and his contentment after finally being freed from his old record contract. "'Freedom' is a powerful word," he said. "To come into a situation where there's some weight lifted, some refreshment going on, you can feel that in the music. I think you can feel the horses gallop on this record, and where I might go and what I might do when my engines are revving."
  • This song sets the tone for the album, which McGraw worked on with friend and co-producer Byron Gallimore. He explained: "It's about reflecting on old times with a sense of nostalgia, but it's also about creating new memories and living in the moment and looking towards the future. I am doing that in my own life and career now."
  • McGraw previewed the song on the October 31, 2012 episode of The Ellen DeGeneres Show. He performed it live for the first time at the following day's CMA Awards, after which it was released to country radio.
  • When this song topped the Billboard Country singles chart, it gave McGraw his 33rd career #1 song on that tally.
  • The song was written by Luke Laird, Rodney Clawson and Chris Tompkins. Laird told Billboard magazine it allowed him to go back and revisit his musical roots. "I've been a Tim McGraw fan since I was in high school," he admitted. "He actually recorded that song about a year before it was ever released. We didn't know if it was going to end up making the album, if it would get shelved, or what the plan was. So, it was really cool. He was someone I just remember watching on the CMA Awards, so to have him singing words that you wrote, it's a really surreal moment."

Comments: 1

  • Dione from Ilocos Norte PhilippinesI really love this song
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Prince

PrinceFact or Fiction

Prince is shrouded in mystery, making him an excellent candidate for Fact or Fiction. Is he really a Scientologist? Does he own an exotic animal?

Alan Merrill of The Arrows

Alan Merrill of The ArrowsSongwriter Interviews

In her days with The Runaways, Joan Jett saw The Arrows perform "I Love Rock And Roll," which Alan Merrill co-wrote - that story and much more from this glam rock pioneer.

Van Dyke Parks

Van Dyke ParksSongwriter Interviews

U2, Carly Simon, Joanna Newsom, Brian Wilson and Fiona Apple have all gone to Van Dyke Parks to make their songs exceptional.

Jesus Christ Superstar: Ted Neeley Tells the Inside Story

Jesus Christ Superstar: Ted Neeley Tells the Inside StorySong Writing

The in-depth discussion about the making of Jesus Christ Superstar with Ted Neeley, who played Jesus in the 1973 film.

Amy Grant

Amy GrantSongwriter Interviews

The top Contemporary Christian artist of all time on song inspirations and what she learned from Johnny Carson.

Janis Ian: Married in London, but not in New York

Janis Ian: Married in London, but not in New YorkSong Writing

Can you be married in one country but not another? Only if you're part of a gay couple. One of the first famous singers to come out as a lesbian, Janis wrote a song about it.