As a child, I was raised on the life lessons country music taught me. From Alan Jackson to Kenny Chesney to Reba to Eric Church to George Strait, all of their songs touched and inspired me. Tim McGraw, three-time Grammy Award winner, was no exception.
During his country music career, he has churned out 25 chart-toppers, all of which led him to win 14 Academy of Country Music awards, 11 CMAs, 10 American Music Awards, and three People's Choice Awards. McGraw has consistently produced inspirational songs such as "Just to See You Smile," "It's Your Love," and "Live Like You Were Dying."
Additionally, McGraw has released several recent chart toppers such as "Highway Don't Care" featuring Taylor Swift, "Diamond Rings and Old Barstools," and "Meanwhile Back At Mama's." Lastly, he produced songs such as "Where the Green Grass Grows," "Watch the Wind Blow By," "When the Stars Go Blue," "Red Ragtop," and "Don't Take the Girl" in the 90's and the early 2000's that are my personal favorites.
Recently, in 2015, McGraw released his new song, "Humble and Kind." This song, like many of his others, sends a universal message to anyone who takes the time to listen. Below are six lessons music lovers can learn from McGraw's "Humble and Kind" lyrics:
1. “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”
As a kid, we never wanted to get up early to go to church. But for those us whose parents made us, we all know that it paid off. Never forget to visit grandma and grandpa because they will not be here forever.
Stay humble and kind.
2. "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”
Never forget to be the kind of person our parents raised us to be. Show respect, radiate humility, and demonstrate integrity -- regardless of the circumstances we face.
Stay humble and kind.
3. “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”
When all of the hard work pays off and when you finally find happiness, be proud of yourself, but never let your newfound success compromise your values or the feelings of others.
Stay humble and kind.
4. “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”
Do not expect for things to simply be handed to us. Life takes work, struggle, heartbreak, and soul searching. Life calls for patience and faith. If we remain bitter over that work, struggle, and heartbreak we won’t fly, we won’t succeed.
Stay humble and kind.
5. "Know the difference between sleeping with someone
And sleeping with someone you love
"I love you" ain't no pick up line so
Always stay humble and kind”
Value yourself. “I love you” is tossed around to casually these days. Only say it if you mean it.
Stay humble and kind.
6." Don't take for granted the love this life gives you
When you get where you're goin'
Don't forget to turn back around
And help the next one in line
Always stay humble and kind”
Once you're successful and happy, never forget where you came from. This life is too beautiful to be taken for granted. Most importantly, pass humility and kindness to the generations after us, to our own children.
Stay humble and kind.
The music video for this song isn't what most would expect after hearing this song. It is, however, full of individuals from different races, ethnicities, and cultures. Personally, I believe McGraw's message is simply communicating that, regardless of where we come from, we can all attempt to epitomize what it means to truly be humble and kind.
