CMT Blog: Archive

John Daly has new country album out now, I Only Know One Way. Yes, THAT John Daly. The legendary golfer who has had a lifetime of ups and downs both on and off the course has poured his heart and soul into a collection of 11 songs that are as much autobiographical as they are solid country songs. And it doesn't hurt that he wrote and sings the title track with his friend, Darius Rucker.

Daly told me today (July 27) that their song in particular hits close to home. "When we wrote that song we thought, ‘Man, life is so short and you're just so close to death every day. You could get hit by a car, or have a heart attack," Daly said. "You just never know." So the lyrics about living so many lives, having too many wives, being through hell and back, and being so happy to be alive send the message that living his life his way is the only way.

"This is a hobby, but I'd love to hear that one on the radio," he added. That one, plus his other must-hear tracks like "Blue Collar Golfer," about growing up with a golf club in hand, as well as "Canvas," a folky acoustic beauty written by Roy Orbison's son, Alex. "Hit It Hard" is Daly's stand-out track because he believes it's just so right for anyone who plays a sport. The moody intro gives way to a guitar-heavy rock sound, but then about mid-song there's a reprise of the quiet vocal, when Daly asks, "Sure I gamble and I drink and smoke three packs a day, hell, ain't country music supposed to be this way?"