McGraw - Humble & Kind

I t is a rare moment when a song comes along that speaks equally to the world and to the individual. A song that transcends. A song that reaches into the heart of everyone who hears it. Humble and Kind is one of those songs. I feel blessed to have been chosen to be the conduit to deliver its message in this day and time.

The wisdom of this song came to me at the right time in my life and, I believe, at a great time of need for civility in the world. When I first heard it, it took me back to all the advice I heard growing up and, more importantly, it made me reflect upon the people who gave it to me. I thought about my grandfather. I thought about my mother. I thought about my high school coach and many friends along the way. These are the people who shaped my view and helped to set me along my path in life by their words and their actions. I was raised to be polite to everyone, no matter what side of town they lived on or color of their skin. I was encouraged to be generous with people who had less. I learned that I was responsible to my family and my community. As an adult, I cant help but think about these people and be grateful for what they taught me. Even if I dont always make the mark, I know where it is.

When I undertook the recording of the song, it was a time of transition for all of us in our home. We were faced with the reality of a daughter going off to college to face a new chapter of her life. As a family, we would be living without her. As parents, we had that moment to pause and reflectis she ready to be on her own? Did we tell her everything she needs to know? I think every parent thinks, Did I tell my kids this enough? Did we do this part right?

The lyrics speak to me in a universal sense, too. They speak to that moment when you look in the mirror and ask yourself, Am I doing the best I can do to be kind and humble? We all fall short, but are we focused on the right things? Cultivating humility and exercising kindness are actions that form the very backbone of respect and compassion. Maybe they are simple in formjust to say please or thanks. These little acts shape our global attitude for how we treat each other. How you act in the small things is how you act in the big things.

Part of the power of art is that it can enkindle each person to reflect and actthis song certainly accomplished that. At the end of the day, especially in these times, its important to be reminded how impactful it can be simply to be kind to others; to show respect, compassion, and tolerance; to support diversity; and to have the strength to be humble in the midst of it all.

Humble and kind. I think kindness is the more straightforward of the two. We all see such meanness in the world today, but the way to counter it is with kindnessand not just to speak about kindness, but to be kind. Kindness comes in so many shapes and sizes. From the smallest act in helping someone with an inconvenience to a grand act such as donating an organ to someone in need: kindness. And there is a fulfillment that is realized in being kind. There is a beautiful diversity to kindness.

Humility, on the other hand, is something that you work on. Its a tightrope walk, a balancing act of the very emotions that propel achievement: proud, but not boastful; good, but not self-righteous; confident, but not arrogant; grateful, but never entitled. Sometimes we only truly learn humility when we lose our balance and fall off to one direction or the otherbut its important to keep trying. Humility is acting from a core belief that we are all equally worthy. It requires us to lend a hand to the next guy, because that next guy is us. Humility believes that our humanity definesus, not our achievements.

Theres a lot negative in the world, but theres a lot of beauty in the world, too. There are a lot of people who are really trying to do the right thing for the right reasons. I think that any time you can highlight the good, any time you can bring it to the forefront and acknowledge it, thats a good thing. Thats what music does in a lot of ways. Music reminds us of our higher calling. It encapsulates parts of our lives, brings to mind (in an instant) something from the past, but also inspires us in the present moment. I hope Humble & Kind does for you what it does for me: provoke me to reflect upon my values, instill them in my children, and share them with the world.

Tim McGraw

You know theres a light

that glows by the front door

Dont forget the keys

under the mat

When childhood stars shine

Go to church cause

your mama says to

Visit grandpa every

chance that you can

It wont be wasted time

Always stay humble and kind

Hold the door,

say please,

say thank you