Paisley sings of the "Hard Life"

The song was penned by Paisley's friend, 23-year-old Joe Kindregan from Springfield, Va., who has A-T (ataxia-telangiectasia), a rare, fatal genetic disease that combines symptoms of cystic fibrosis, muscular dystrophy, immune deficiencies and cancer. The release of the new song marks a special initiative on behalf of the non-profit A-T Children's Project, the yearlong beneficiary of Paisley's artist royalties from U.S. digital single sales of the song.

"I've known Joe for several years, and he is one of my favorite people. His disease is physically debilitating, but obviously creatively and mentally Joe has such tremendous depth. It's an honor for me to be the person to give voice to his creativity and cause."

The two met in 2005 at a fundraising event hosted by former professional hockey player Shjon Podein benefitting children facing extraordinary difficulties. It was at this event that Kindregan was convinced by his friend, Brian Christiansen, who also had A-T, to join him on stage and sing with Paisley.

Over the years, he and Paisley have stayed in contact, and Kindregan has attended many of Paisley's concerts. When Cristiansen lost his battle with A-T a few years ago he knew he wanted to do something to carry on their love of music, and with encouragement from Paisley, decided the best way to do that was to put his story in a song.

Kindregan knew he wanted to write about enduring life with A-T, the good and the bad. He talked to other people who also had the disease and then put his thoughts on paper to share with Paisley. Once Paisley saw the lyrics, he knew they had something important. Kindregan came to Paisley's Nashville studio twice to be a part of laying down the tracks and to see his song being produced firsthand.