The narrator states to his significant other that while he may be a "bad boy", he is a "real good man".
Critical reception
Rick Cohoon of Allmusic reviewed the song favorably, saying that the song "offers a unique melody." Cohoon also added that McGraw can "party with the best of 'em" but also "touts his softer side complete with soft-as-velvet hands and a patriotic spirit."[2]
Music video
The music video, directed and produced by Sherman Halsey, and premiered on CMT on July 12, 2003. It was filmed live in concert, and was released as a double-song video with "The Ride," a cover of the David Allan Coe hit. A special promotional single of this double-song performance was sent to radio stations. While the live version of "Real Good Man" did eventually appear on McGraw's Greatest Hits 3 CD, it did not contain "The Ride"; "The Ride" would appear on McGraw's 2016 "Ultimate Collection" 4 disc set.
Chart positions
"Real Good Man" debuted at number 60 on the U.S. Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks for the chart week of May 17, 2003.