The song "Live Free or Die" by Hayes Carll is a tale of a man who is serving time in prison after accidentally shooting a man whom he caught with his wife. He is in the "frozen granite state," referring to New Hampshire, which has the slogan "Live Free or Die" on its license plates. The man works in the prison to stamp out license plates, and each plate reminds him of his own predicament. The lyrics express the man's frustration with the state's license plate slogan and his desire for a more cheerful one. He suggests alternatives such as "seatbelts fastened" or "Oklahoma is ok." He even mentions the possibility of stamping plates for New Jersey, which is not renowned for its cheerfulness. The song also provides a lesson for those who may be in a similar situation. The man advises other married men to exercise patience when confronted with a similar situation and to carefully plan their actions. He regrets his impulsive actions and the resulting consequences. Overall, "Live Free or Die" is a melancholic and reflective song about the importance of making the right choices and not succumbing to impulsive decisions.
