About the song
Mac Davis – It’s Hard to Be Humble: A Timeless Country Classic
Mac Davis’s “It’s Hard to Be Humble” is more than just a song; it’s a cultural touchstone of the late 1970s. Released in 1980 as the title track from his album, this infectious tune quickly climbed the charts, becoming an international hit and a signature song for Davis.
The song’s ironic lyrics paint a humorous portrait of a man struggling to maintain modesty amidst his own popularity and success. Davis, with his signature country twang and charismatic delivery, effortlessly captures the contradiction of wanting to be humble while simultaneously reveling in the spotlight. The song’s catchy melody and memorable chorus have made it a staple of country radio stations for decades.
“It’s Hard to Be Humble” perfectly encapsulates the country music ethos of the era: a celebration of individuality, a love of storytelling, and a touch of self-deprecating humor. Davis’s ability to connect with audiences on a personal level is evident in this song, as listeners can relate to the universal themes of pride, humility, and the challenges of fame.
Beyond its commercial success, “It’s Hard to Be Humble” has also made a significant impact on popular culture. The song’s memorable lines and catchy chorus have been referenced countless times in movies, television shows, and advertising campaigns. It’s a testament to the song’s enduring appeal that it continues to resonate with new generations of listeners.
Some key points to note about the song:
- Release year: 1980
- Genre: Country
- Chart performance: Reached number one on the Billboard Country Singles chart and was a top-ten hit on the Billboard Hot 100.
- Key themes: Humility, pride, fame, individuality
- Musical style: Country twang, catchy melody, memorable chorus
Video
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