About the song
“Hard To Be Humble” is a song that stands as a testament to the power of humor and self-deprecation in country music. Released in 1980, this comedic tune, performed by Kenny Rogers and Mac Davis, offers a refreshing departure from the often serious themes found in the genre.
The song’s lyrics, penned by Mac Davis, are a tongue-in-cheek exploration of exaggerated self-importance. It’s a playful parody of the kind of boastful persona that can sometimes be found in the entertainment industry. The song’s humor lies in its exaggerated claims of perfection, delivered with a wink and a nod.
Kenny Rogers and Mac Davis, both known for their charismatic personalities, deliver the song with a lighthearted charm that makes it impossible to take too seriously. Their vocal interplay, marked by its playful banter and comedic timing, adds to the song’s overall appeal.
The arrangement, characterized by its upbeat tempo and catchy melody, further enhances the song’s comedic tone. The instrumentation, with its blend of country and pop influences, creates a fun and engaging listening experience. The production is polished yet unpretentious, allowing the humor to take center stage.
“Hard To Be Humble” is more than just a novelty song; it’s a reminder of the importance of not taking oneself too seriously. It’s a celebration of humor and humility, two qualities that are often overlooked in the pursuit of fame and success. The song’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to bring a smile to the listener’s face, reminding us that laughter is indeed the best medicine.
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
[Crowd:] Awwww!
Yeah, that’s what I said, “Awwww”
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 whyOh 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 lookin’ 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 doin’ the best that I canI used to have a girlfriend
But I guess she just couldn’t compete
With all of these love-starved women
Who keep clamoring at my feet
Well I could probably find me another
But I guess they’re all in awe of me
Who cares? I never get lonesome
‘Cause I treasure my own companyOh… 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 lookin’ 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 doin’ the best that I canI guess you could say I’m a loner
A cowboy outlaw, tough and proud
Well, I could have lotsa 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 blue jeansOh… Come on, where’s all the kickers in here?!
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 lookin’ 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 doin’ the best that I can!
One more time, what are we doin’?
We’re doing the best that we can!
Give yourselves a hand
Yee-haw!
