About the song
Few country collaborations come with the level of star power and sheer excitement as “Feel Like a Rock Star”, a high-energy anthem from two of country music’s biggest names: Kenny Chesney and Tim McGraw. Released in 2012 as the lead single from Chesney’s album Welcome to the Fishbowl, the song is a celebration of escapism, freedom, and the electric energy of living life to the fullest—even if just for a night.
A Powerhouse Collaboration
By the time “Feel Like a Rock Star” hit the airwaves, Kenny Chesney and Tim McGraw were already two of the most dominant forces in country music. Both had built careers blending traditional country storytelling with contemporary, arena-ready production, and this track is a perfect example of that balance. The song also served as a high-octane preview of their 2012 Brothers of the Sun Tour, a joint tour that brought together two of the genre’s most beloved artists for a summer of unforgettable live performances.
A Song Built for Stadiums
From the very first notes, “Feel Like a Rock Star” makes its mission clear: this is a song meant to be played loud, with the windows down, and your hands in the air. The driving guitar riff, pounding drums, and anthemic chorus all work together to create a huge, arena-filling sound, more reminiscent of a classic rock anthem than a traditional country tune.
The lyrics set the stage for a night of cutting loose, living in the moment, and feeling larger than life:
“When I step out with my kid, and the world is my stage
I’m bigger than Elvis, alive and in the flesh…”
There’s a playful confidence in the way Chesney and McGraw trade lines, making it feel like a conversation between two friends hyping each other up for a night of fun. The song isn’t about fame or actual rock stardom—it’s about the feeling that comes when you let go of worries, turn up the music, and embrace the excitement of the present.
The Sound: A Blend of Country and Rock
One of the most interesting aspects of “Feel Like a Rock Star” is how it blurs the lines between country and mainstream rock. Chesney, known for his laid-back, island-infused sound, and McGraw, with his smooth yet rugged vocal delivery, bring different strengths to the track. Together, they create a perfect storm of country-rock energy, with big guitars, soaring vocals, and a rhythm that begs for a live crowd to chant along.
The production leans into the hard-driving, fist-pumping style that’s become a staple for country music’s biggest stadium tours. The song’s instrumentation is bold, built around distorted electric guitars, thumping percussion, and a chorus designed for thousands of voices to sing in unison. It’s clear that “Feel Like a Rock Star” was crafted not just as a radio single, but as a live-show highlight—a moment where fans can throw their hands up and fully immerse themselves in the music.
A Departure from Deep Storytelling
Unlike many of the more narrative-driven hits from Chesney and McGraw, this song isn’t about heartbreak, nostalgia, or small-town life—it’s pure energy. Some critics felt it lacked the depth and emotional weight of their past work, but that was never the goal. “Feel Like a Rock Star” is a party anthem, designed to bring people together, make them forget their troubles, and give them a taste of rock star-level excitement, even if just for a night.
Legacy and Impact
While “Feel Like a Rock Star” wasn’t a massive chart-topping success compared to some of Chesney and McGraw’s biggest hits, it still served its purpose: it became an anthem for live shows, summer nights, and good times. It also reinforced the undeniable chemistry between the two artists, making it one of their most memorable collaborations.
For fans who love their country music with a heavy dose of rock & roll attitude, this song remains a fun, high-energy reminder that sometimes, music is all about letting loose and living in the moment. So turn up the volume, grab a cold drink, and let yourself “Feel Like a Rock Star.”
Video
Lyrics
Do you smoke, do you drink do you yell out, “Hank”Do you fold it in your pocket do you lock it in the bankJack it up, drop it down to the groundPut the juice in the goose or the Coke in the CrownWhatever makes you feel like a rock starYeah, you can kick it back chillin’ or you can rock hardYou busted your ass all weekAnd now, it’s your time to beWhatever you wanna beYou can dress to kill, you can shoot to thrillTry to seal the dealWhatever makes you feel like a rock starDo you kick the dirt, or work a Vegas stopDo you hit the strip, or roll a country mileDo you wear ’em uptight, or do you keep it looseDo you leave it in the truck or sneak it in, in your bootWhatever makes you feel like a rock starYeah, you can kick it back chillin’Or you can rock hardYou busted your ass all weekAnd now it’s your time to beWhatever you wanna beYou can dress to kill, you can shoot to thrillTry to seal the dealWhatever makes you feel like a rock starNow, whether you’re pimped up hangin’ in the VIPOr way up high in the cheapest seatsHey, pretty mama, if you roll with meThere’ll be diamonds in the sky and the radio screenWhatever makes you feel like a rock starYeah, you can kick back chillin’ or you can rock hardYou busted your ass all weekAnd now it’s your time to beWhatever you wanna beYou can dress to kill, you can shoot to thrillTry to seal the dealWhatever makes you feel like a rock starWhatever makes you feel like a rock starDo you smoke, do you drink do you yell out, “Hank”?Do you fold it in your pocket do ya lock it in the bank?Do you jack it up or drop it down to the groundPut the juice in the goose or the Coke in the CrownWhatever makes you feel like a rock starYeah, yeah, yeah, yeahYeah, yeah, yeahWhatever makes you feel like a rock star