" Humble and Kind" has earned Tim McGraw many awards in 2016, and I can tell you why; it is one of the most heartfelt and meaningful songs of the year. Most artists these days write lyrics bragging about their money, fame, and fortune, but don't focus on relevant topics such as Tim did in his single. He couldn't have wrote a more down to earth and all-around relatable song if he tried. And let's not forget about how powerful and touching his performance at the CMA awards was, or how representative and beautiful his music video is. I believe we all can learn a lot through Tim's simple, yet empowering statements in "Humble and Kind". I decided to pull out parts of the song that I found to be most noteworthy, yet the song as a whole is extremely remarkable.
"You know there's a light that glows by the front door. Don't forget the keys under the mat"
I think sometimes we all could use a reminder to remember where we came from, which is exactly what Tim gave us. He reminds us through this statement to remember our roots, where our home is, and how to get back in. He's reminding us that we can always come back to our home and to not forget it.
"Go to church cause your momma says to. Visit Grandpa every chance that you get. It won't be wasted time"
Sometimes we need to do things just because others would like to see us do it. Make them happy by doing what they ask, even if you don't want to. Tim is also reminding us to visit family members no matter how busy our lives may seem. Especially elders, such as grandparents. In reality, you don't know exactly how much time you have left with them. He's saying that the time you spend with them you will always cherish, and you most definitely won't regret it. Take time out of your day to do these things, it's more important than you may think.
"Hold the door, say please, say thank you. Don't steal, don't cheat, and don't lie"
These basic acts of kindness don't exist as often as they used to. They may seem like common sense, but sadly it's not uncommon for somebody to steal, cheat, or lie anymore, and manners have lessened as well. Tim is reminding us how important small actions and words like these can be. And they aren't just important because you're being generous to somebody else, but it's an important part of building your own character. You feel much better when you make kind gestures than not, remember that. Always be respectful and courteous of others, and you'll never have to have a guilty conscious.
"I know you've got mountains to climb, but always stay humble and kind"
Tim is saying that although you go through hard times, you need to remember that everybody else does too. Not only you have it rough, and you should always be polite. We all need to realize that we shouldn't forgo the basic acts of kindness mentioned earlier to assist us in climbing the mountains that lead to our dreams. He reminds us to meet our goals the right way, no cheating or shortcuts.
"When the dreams you're dreaming come to you, when the work you put in is realized, let yourself feel the pride, but always stay humble and kind"
It's human nature to become cocky when we "have it all," but that doesn't mean that we should. Tim is telling us to be proud when we earn what we've been working towards, but don't forget where you started and how you got there. He's reminding us to be happy about the dedication we gave, but don't get a big head, and stay down to earth.
"Don't expect a free ride from someone"
This one is more important than one may think. Many of us are always looking for "hand-outs" in life. It's most definitely not good habit to get into, and that's what Tim is addressing here. He's saying don't take things for granted, and don't anticipate on others doing everything for you. Be thankful when someone offers you something, but don't just expect it. Don't get used to somebody doing things for you; it's not good to be a mooch, and offerings should be seen as special, not the usual.
"Don't hold a grudge or a chip and here's why, bitterness keeps you from flying"
Forgive and forget - a motto that we hear often but rarely every practice. Tim is reminding us that carrying extra weight with us, such as grudges, just holds us back in life. It prevents our happiness from flourishing. We need to remember that we're all just human, and that humans make mistakes. Being bitter doesn't help the situation, and to continue healthy relationships, we have to let things go.
"Know the difference from sleeping with someone, and sleeping with someone you love. I love you ain't no pick up line"
This is a big one. Tim is saying that "I love you" shouldn't just be tossed around like it's nothing, and that love isn't something to take lightly. Don't say "I love you" for your advantage, only say it when you mean it. He's reminding us to only say our true feelings, and that leading someone on can be hurtful. Love isn't a joke, so don't treat it like one.
"When it's hot, eat a root beer popsicle, shut off the ac, and roll the windows down. Let that summer sun shine"
Tim is telling us to enjoy the simple things in life. He's reminding us to always be in the moment and to continue doing little things that we love. Happiness can come from the smallest of things, so we should take advantage of every moment in life and make it worthwhile.
"Don't take for granted the love this life gives you"
Be thankful for those you have in your life, and return the love that they give you. Treat them well, and be grateful for what you have. Tim is saying we don't always realize how lucky we are to have the ones we do in our lives.
"When you get where you're goin', don't forget, turn back around. Help the next one in line"
When you reach your dreams and are at the top of the world, remember others are trying to reach theirs. Tim is telling us that we should always look to help others along the way. He's saying one can never be "too good" to help somebody else, and that we should always lend a hand.
"Always stay humble and kind"
I think we should all listen to Tim's words of wisdom. If we strive to be humble and kind, we will achieve this
