 " Live Like We 're Dying " is described to be in a " moderate pop rock " groove , and consisting of " shuffly " guitar playing . The song has been referred to as " danceable " , and the chorus as " grooving " and " syncopated " . It is written in the key of C major and Allen 's vocals span from G3 to A4 . The song contains inspirational lyrics , as Allen gives a " muscular " and " engaged " vocal performance , and delivers the lines in a rhythmic fashion . According to Michael Slezak of Entertainment Weekly , the song contains new @-@ age sentiments . 
