About the song
Mac Davis’s Irreverent Anthem: A Deep Dive into “It’s Hard to Be Humble”
Released in 1980, Mac Davis’s infectious hit, “It’s Hard to Be Humble,” quickly ascended the charts, becoming an unlikely anthem for the decade. This quirky country tune, with its self-deprecating humor and catchy melody, captured the hearts of audiences worldwide and continues to resonate today.
At first glance, “It’s Hard to Be Humble” seems like a simple, fun song about a man who’s just too darn good-looking and popular to be modest. However, beneath its playful surface lies a more complex exploration of themes like fame, self-awareness, and the challenges of maintaining one’s identity in the public eye. Davis himself was a multifaceted artist, having achieved success as a songwriter, singer, and actor. In “It’s Hard to Be Humble,” he channeled his own experiences into a universal tale that resonates with anyone who has ever felt the pressure of being in the spotlight.
The song’s ironic lyrics are filled with tongue-in-cheek humor as Davis playfully exaggerates his own perceived shortcomings. Yet, there is an underlying sincerity to his performance that prevents the song from becoming too self-indulgent. By embracing his perceived flaws, Davis invites the listener to laugh along with him and to find common ground in their own experiences with self-doubt.
Musically, “It’s Hard to Be Humble” is a prime example of classic country songwriting. The upbeat tempo and catchy chorus make it an easy song to sing along to, while the twangy guitar riffs and steel guitar solos add a touch of authenticity. Davis’s smooth vocals deliver the lyrics with a casual confidence that belies the song’s complexity.
The song’s success can be attributed to several factors, including its universal appeal, its memorable melody, and its relatable lyrics. “It’s Hard to Be Humble” struck a chord with audiences of all ages and backgrounds, becoming a cultural phenomenon that transcended genre boundaries. The song’s popularity was further boosted by its inclusion in the soundtrack of the film Urban Cowboy, which helped to introduce it to a new generation of fans.
In conclusion, “It’s Hard to Be Humble” is more than just a catchy tune. It’s a testament to Mac Davis’s songwriting prowess and a timeless exploration of the human condition. By embracing his own imperfections with humor and honesty, Davis created a song that continues to resonate with listeners decades after its release.
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Lyrics
“Back a few months ago, I was headlinin’ a great big nightclub
And they put me up a couple days early, I came in a couple days early
And they put me up in what they call the “Star Suite”
Now here I am, headlinin’ in one of the biggest nightclubs
In the country and I wake up at eight o’clock in the morning
In this “Star Suite” all by myself”
“Awwww”
“Yeah, that’s what I said, “Awwwww.”
“But I did what I’ve always done, man, to cheer myself up
I picked up my guitar, I sat down and I wrote me a little song
Now this is how it feels to be alone at the top of the hill
Tryin’ to figure out why”
Oh Lord it’s hard to be humble
When you’re perfect in every way
I can’t wait to look in the mirror
Cause I get better looking each day
To know me is to love me
I must be a hell of a man
Oh Lord It’s hard to be humble,
But I’m doing the best that I can
I used to have a girlfriend,
But I guess she just couldn’t compete,
With all of these love-starved women,
Who keep cowering at my feet
Oh I probably could find me another,
But I guess they’re all in awe of me
Who cares?
I never get lonesome
Cause I treasure my own company
Oh Lord it’s hard to be humble
When you’re perfect in every way
(I can’t wait to look in the mirror)
I can’t wait to look in the mirror
(Help me out now! Come on)
I get better looking each day
(To know me is to what?)
To know me is to love me
(Must be a hell of man)
I must be a hell of a man
(Oh Lord It’s hard)
Oh Lord It’s hard to be humble,
(When you’re doing what?)
We’re doing the best that we can
I guess you could say I’m a loner
A cowboy out lone, tough, and proud
I could have lots of friends if I wanted
But then I wouldn’t stand out from the crowd
Some folks say that I’m egotistical
Hell I don’t even know what that means
I guess it has something to do
With the way that I fill out my skin tight with jeans
Oh Lord it’s hard to be humble
(When you’re perfect in every way)
When you’re perfect in every way
(Can’t wait to look in the mirror)
I can’t wait to look in the mirror
(‘Cause I get better looking)
I get better looking each day
(To know me is to what?)
To know me is to love me
(Must be a hell of man)
I must be a hell of a man
(Oh Lord It’s hard)
Oh Lord It’s hard to be humble,
(What are we doing?)
We’re doing the best that we can
We’re doing the best that we can