“Humble and Kind” is a country ballad released by Tim McGraw on January 20, 2016, as the second single from his album Damn Country Music. The song was written entirely by Lori McKenna, who originally composed it in her dining room as a “selfish little poem/lullaby” for her five children, reflecting on the core values she wanted them to uphold.
McKenna sent a raw acoustic demo to McGraw, who recognized its universal appeal despite its personal origins.
Key details of the song’s history include:
- Commercial Success: The track topped the Billboard Country Airplay and Hot Country Songs charts, becoming one of McGraw’s highest-charting crossover singles and earning a Grammy, a CMA Award for Song of the Year, and a CMT Award for Video of the Year.
- Emotional Recording: McGraw found recording the song deeply emotional, particularly as he was processing his daughter Gracie leaving for college and his father’s recent death, often requiring him to pause sessions to compose himself.
- Visual Legacy: The official music video, directed by Wes Edwards, utilized unscripted footage from Oprah Winfrey’s documentary Belief to depict ordinary people performing acts of kindness, reinforcing the song’s message of humility and connection.
- Enduring Impact: While McKenna wrote it for her kids, McGraw interpreted it as advice for all parents, allowing the song to evolve into a broader anthem about treating others with grace in a divided world.
[Verse 1]
You know there’s a light that glows by the front door
Don’t forget the keys under the mat
When childhood stars shine
Always stay humble and kind
Go to church ’cause your momma says to
Visit grandpa every chance that you can
It won’t be wasted time
Always stay humble and kind
[Chorus]
Hold the door, say please, say thank you
Don’t steal, don’t cheat, and don’t lie
I know you got mountains to climb but
Always stay humble and kind
When the dreams you’re dreamin’ come to you
When the work you put in is realized
Let yourself feel the pride but
Always stay humble and kind
[Verse 2]
Don’t expect a free ride from no one
Don’t hold a grudge or a chip and here’s why
Bitterness keeps you from flyin’
Always stay humble and kind
Know the difference between sleepin’ with someone
And sleepin’ with someone you love
“I love you” ain’t no pickup line, so
Always stay humble and kind
[Chorus]
Hold the door, say please, say thank you
Don’t steal, don’t cheat, and don’t lie
I know you got mountains to climb but
Always stay humble and kind
When those dreams you’re dreamin’ come to you
When the work you put in is realized
Let yourself feel the pride but
Always stay humble and kind (Yeah)
[Outro]
When it’s hot, eat a root beer popsicle
Shut off the AC and roll the windows down
Let that summer sun shine
Always stay humble and kind
Don’t take for granted the love this life gives you
When you get where you’re goin’, don’t forget turn back around
And help the next one in line
Always stay humble and kind
