About the song
Kenny Rogers and Mac Davis joined forces to create a timeless country classic that continues to resonate with audiences today. “It’s Hard to Be Humble” is a song that captures the universal struggle of dealing with success and the challenges that come with fame. Released in 1980, the duet became an international hit, showcasing the talents of both artists.
Davis, the songwriter, drew inspiration from his own experiences in the music industry to pen this humorous and introspective tune. Rogers, with his distinctive voice and charismatic personality, brought the song to life through his captivating performance.
The song’s opening lines set the stage for a playful exploration of humility: “I used to be a nobody, but now look at me.” Davis playfully acknowledges the dramatic transformation from obscurity to fame, setting the tone for a song that is both lighthearted and thought-provoking.
As the song progresses, Davis delves deeper into the complexities of fame and the pressures of maintaining a positive public image. He sings about the constant attention, the demands of fans, and the temptation to let ego get the better of him. Yet, he also expresses a sense of gratitude for his success and the opportunities it has afforded him.
The chorus of “It’s hard to be humble, when you’re as great as I am” is both a tongue-in-cheek boast and a self-deprecating joke. Davis’s ability to balance humor and sincerity is one of the reasons why this song has resonated with so many people.
Rogers’s harmonies and vocal interplay with Davis add another layer of depth and richness to the song. Their combined talents create a truly memorable performance that has stood the test of time.
“It’s Hard to Be Humble” is more than just a catchy tune; it’s a reflection on the human condition. It reminds us that even the most successful people face challenges and insecurities. Through their witty lyrics and heartfelt performances, Davis and Rogers invite us to laugh at ourselves and appreciate the simple joys of life, no matter how much fame or fortune we may achieve.
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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