The song was released on June 12, 2011, by Mercury Nashville Records, as a single to accompany the documentary television series Why Not?

Despite feeling apprehensive, Twain decided to record the track, which induced her to create her forthcoming fifth studio album.

"Today Is Your Day" is Twain's first track to have had no involvement from her now ex-husband Robert John "Mutt" Lange in 18 years.

"Today Is Your Day" has received mixed reviews from music critics and mild commercial performance in Canada and the United States.

In 1993, Twain released her self-titled debut album, which caught the attention of record producer Robert John "Mutt" Lange.

(2002); the prior went on to sell over 40 million copies worldwide[3] and became the best-selling album by a female artist.

She then re-evaluated her life and noted a pattern of withholding emotions, which affected her voice for both speaking and singing.

[9] As a result, the singer developed dysphonia, an impairment in the ability to produce sound because of tightened muscles enveloping her voice box.

[5] Twain wanted to go outside her comfort zone and perform once again, while inspiring viewers to be proactive about their own problems.

[10] The concept frightened her: "Sharing that song with other people, exposing, and basically allowing myself to be vulnerable and judged, it scared the heck out of me.

with Shania Twain, she arranged a session with music producer David Foster, hoping to collaborate on "Today Is Your Day".

[8] Although she felt skeptical, Twain visited vocal coach Eric Vetro to prepare for her session with Foster.

Twain learned beneficial vocal techniques and appreciated Vetro's understanding of her psyche.

To qualm her fears, Twain approached the session as if she were introducing "Today Is Your Day" as a songwriter, rather than a singer.

[8] Twain later recorded the studio version of "Today Is Your Day" and co-produced it alongside Foster and Nathan Chapman.

[10] The song made Twain feel comfortable recording music again, thus she began to work on her forthcoming fifth studio album, Now (2017).

[17] In the bridge she sings, "Brush yourself off no regrets / This is as good as it gets / Don’t expect more or less / Just go out and give it your best", meaning one must be able to disregard dreaming for a better day because "today is all you’ve got".

Melinda Newman of HitFix said it was "a bit snoozy", however complemented Twain's reasonably strong vocals.

"[20] Jenna Hally Rubenstein of MTV was disappointed with "Today Is Your Day", but said she would "take it" following the singer's long absence from music.

Rubenstein commented that the song was undoubtedly saccharine, yet Twain's lush and rich voice prevailed.

[13] On the same week, "Today Is Your Day" entered at number 40 on the US Hot Country Songs chart, ranking Twain's fourth-highest debut.