'Humble And Kind,' A Song To Live By | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Entertainment

'Humble And Kind,' A Song To Live By

"Always stay humble and kind."

236
'Humble And Kind,' A Song To Live By
Tim McGraw

Tim McGraw’s newest single “Humble and Kind” was released in 2015. When I first heard it, I’ll admit I wasn’t a huge fan … It was just another song on the radio that most times I would skip or change the station to. When I actually listened to it in its entirety, It’s actually a very insightful song. There is meaning all throughout and it really is a song everyone should really listen to at least once. Actually, this may be one of the few songs (at least within today’s current music industry) that everyone could really live by.

“Always stay humble and kind”

This anthem offers up advice to each and every one of us, lyric by lyric. The biggest piece of advice as well as the main message is simply to stay humble and kind. We all have our times of superiority and bliss but there’s no reason to always believe you are better than all those around you. It’s important to stay humble through the good and the bad. Being kind will get you so far in life, it’s important to take a step back from time to time to look around and be grateful for everyone and everything around you.

“Hold the door, say please, say thank you”

This verse should be common sense to most people (especially if you’re coming from the south), but for some it isn’t. Some of us have been raised (myself included) to always treat others with respect saying please and thank you while others aren’t accustomed to doing so. At the university I attend, people everywhere hold doors opens even from a mile away, respond with “ma’am or sir” followed by a “please and thank you.” It’s like a way of life for Texans. It’s not a hard task as the song reminds us but sometimes it is simply forgotten.

“Don’t steal, don’t cheat and don’t lie”

This is another lesson that we are reminded of from the song. Not to steal, cheat or lie is something many of us have grown up being taught by our parents and all those around us. Showing us that our actions and such do have consequences. 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. Lying, stealing and cheating are not going to get anyone anywhere and are simply poor decisions, this song reminds us time and time again to always stay humble and kind.

“I know you got mountains to climb but, always stay humble and kind”

We all have obstacles to overcome and goals we want to achieve and many people would say it’s all about the journey not the destination. McGraw’s song reminds us that no matter where we go or what we do we can’t let the great things go to our heads because we wouldn’t be there without having climbed the “mountains.” Everyone is fighting different battles; everyone is climbing their own “mountain.” We all need to remember where we started, what we've accomplished and how many mountains we've all climbed before. The thing to remember is that once you get to the top, you need to be able to thank the people who helped you along the way. You can’t just get to where you want to be and keep going without stopping to realize and remember all those backing you. You need to be humble when looking at your accomplishments, acknowledge how hard you've worked and be kind to all those that have helped you get to where you are.

“Don't hold a grudge or a chip and here's why, bitterness keeps you from flying”

We’re all human, from time to time people do us wrong but a habit many of us have is holding on to those feelings of anger or sadness and holding a grudge. The songs message here is that we shouldn’t sweat the little things, those things that we hold on to are often the things that hold us back from doing what we want or reaching our full potential. Unfortunate things do happen from time to time people make mistakes but those things shouldn’t dictate your life for you. Let the grudges go and relax. Be the bigger person and learn to forgive and forget. Take the high road and try to live a grudge free life. Holding grudges as some may tell you aren’t healthy and actually hinder our ability to be the best we can be. Life isn’t going to be stress free but if you live in the moment and see what happens then you’re one step closer to being YOU and that’s all you can truly be in this world.

“Shut off the AC and roll the windows down, let that summer sun shine”

I think this line in particular gets overlooked a lot and is just seen as being a typical talk and theme of summer but there really is so much more to that. In today’s time it seems that we are all mainly concerned with the destination as opposed to the journey. People don’t care where you go as long as you get there and fast. We don’t ever take the time to step back and smell the roses as you’d say or simply appreciate what is all around us. This lyric is all about taking time to go slow and experience a laid back and chill life. We should let the sun shine in our face, blast some music and just drive with no hesitation or destination needed

“Don't take for granted the love this life gives you”

Here’s a big one, don’t take the life you have for granted. Often times especially with the current generation we are given things and don’t stop to say thank you or appreciate those who have given it to us. We expect things to come easy and be handed to us when in reality that isn’t the case. Nothing worth having comes easy as some may say. When people show you love and appreciation, don’t shrug it off take the time to express your gratitude. It doesn’t matter the current situation, you should always accept the love you are shown and be sure to share it with those around you. You never know how much one little thing can affect someone else’s day. Don’t take it for granted, be humble about it and always make an effort to say thank you.

“When you get where you're goin', don't forget turn back around, and help the next one in line”

Again, we all have goals and aspirations. We go through life day by day getting to where we want, but once we get there, what do we do? Oftentimes we just take it and run with it. Well, here’s what the message with this lyric is, once we get to where we want, take time to go back a bit and help those who are trying to follow the same path. Remember to stop and help those who are trying to get to where you are, you’ve gotten to where you want and your content help someone else do the same. You have insight that others don’t possess yet, so help them, use that knowledge and help them soar. You were once in their shoes and I’m sure you would have been very appreciative if someone had taken the time to help you the way you are able to help others.

"Humble and Kind" is absolutely a song to live by. There are many takeaways present in this song if you take the time to listen. Try to relate this back to your own life and really get something out of it. It's important to take a step back, take each day and situation one at a time and remember to always stay humble and kind. You won’t regret it, that’s for sure!

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Chalk drawing of scales weighing "good" and "bad" on a blackboard.
WP content

Being a good person does not depend on your religion or status in life, your race or skin color, political views or culture. It depends on how good you treat others.

We are all born to do something great. Whether that be to grow up and become a doctor and save the lives of thousands of people, run a marathon, win the Noble Peace Prize, or be the greatest mother or father for your own future children one day. Regardless, we are all born with a purpose. But in between birth and death lies a path that life paves for us; a path that we must fill with something that gives our lives meaning.

Keep Reading...Show less
Health and Wellness

10 Hygiene Tips For All College Athletes

College athletes, it's time we talk about sports hygiene.

6167
Woman doing pull-ups on bars with sun shining behind her.

I got a request to talk about college athletes hygiene so here it is.

College athletes, I get it, you are busy! From class, to morning workouts, to study table, to practice, and more. But that does not excuse the fact that your hygiene comes first! Here are some tips when it comes to taking care of your self.

Keep Reading...Show less
Jenna Pizzi and her mom smiling by a waterfront with a historic ship in the background.
Jenna Pizzi

There is always a time in the semester when you have about three papers, four tests, five assignments and two projects due within the same time period. Isn't that just the best?

It's almost as if the professors all plot against you just to make college even more stressful than it already is. No matter how many people try to make you feel better, no one ever compares to your mom. Moms always know exactly what to say.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

7 Jobs Your Roommate Has

She's got your back with everything that college throws at you.

3846
Cristina Yang and Meredith Grey in scrubs sit against a wall, smiling and enjoying a break.

If you are anything like my roommate and I, you have a friendship with your roomie. You’re lucky to have gotten a roommate that is easy to get along with and more importantly cool to live with. Whether you found her on Facebook or went random, a roommate is a big part of life in college. This list goes through some of the jobs that a roommate has that help you get through college.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

35 Things I Wish I Learned In My Freshman Year Of College

Just some relatable college student advice! Yes, you aren’t the only one!

3037
Towson University
YouTube

Freshman year can either be the greatest year, or the roughest year. It depends on your transition and how you adjust. For me, freshman year in college was one of the best years of my life. However, looking back, there are a few things that I wish I learned.

Now that I am a sophomore, I can finally do things a little differently. Here are a few things that I wish I learned my freshman year of college!

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments