About the song
Few figures in American music carry the kind of legendary status that **Willie Nelson** commands. With his unmistakable voice, weathered guitar, and disarming wit, Nelson has long stood at the intersection of country music tradition and the rebellious spirit of the outlaw movement. In **“It’s Hard to Be Humble”**, a song that blends humor, self-deprecation, and a good dose of Texas charm, **Willie Nelson** taps into one of the most human of struggles—grappling with ego, identity, and the absurdity of self-importance.
Originally written and performed by Mac Davis in 1980, **“It’s Hard to Be Humble”** became something of a tongue-in-cheek anthem, beloved for its catchy chorus and wry lyrics. When **Willie Nelson** took on the song, he brought with him a lifetime of storytelling prowess and a sense of authenticity that only deepens the comedic irony. His rendition, released in 2023 on the album *I Don’t Know a Thing About Love*, doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel; rather, it settles comfortably into Nelson’s seasoned delivery style, complete with his signature phrasing and understated humor. He sings, *“Oh Lord, it’s hard to be humble when you’re perfect in every way,”* with just enough wink and grit to make it both endearing and laugh-out-loud funny.
But beyond the obvious playfulness, **Willie Nelson – It’s Hard to Be Humble** feels like a subtle commentary on fame and aging. For an artist who has been lauded, misunderstood, lionized, and even vilified over the decades, singing about the difficulty of humility isn’t just a joke—it’s an acknowledgment of the odd contradictions that come with a life lived in the spotlight. There’s a knowing tone here, the sound of a man who’s done just about everything and lived to sing about it, still finding joy in poking fun at himself.
In the end, **Willie Nelson – It’s Hard to Be Humble** is more than just a novelty tune. It’s a delightful moment of levity from one of country music’s most enduring voices—a reminder that humor, especially when it’s turned inward, might just be one of the finest signs of wisdom.
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Lyrics
Oh Lord, it’s hard to be humble
When you’re perfect in every way
I can’t wait to look in the mirror
‘Cause I get better lookin’ each day
To know me is to love me
I must be a hell of a man
Oh Lord, it’s hard to be humble
But I’m doing the best that I can
I used to have me a girlfriend
But I guess that she couldn’t compete
With all of them love-starved women
Who keep clamoring around at my feet
Well, I could probably could find me another
But I guess they’re all in awe of me (oh, man)
Who cares? I’ll never get lonesome
‘Cause I treasure my own company
Lord, it’s hard to be humble
When you’re perfect in every way
I can’t wait to look in the mirror
‘Cause I get better lookin’ each day
To know me is to love me
I must be one hell of a man
Oh Lord, it’s hard to be humble
But I’m doing the best that I can
I guess you could say I’m a loner (yeah)
A cowboy outlaw, tough and proud
I could have a lot of friends if I wanted
But then I wouldn’t stand out from the crowd
Some folks say that I’m egotistical
Hell, I don’t even know what that means
I guess it has something to do with the way
That I fill out my skintight blue jeans
Oh Lord, it’s hard to be humble
When you’re perfect in every way
I can’t wait to look in the mirror
But I get better lookin’ each day
To know me is to love me
I must be one hell of a man
Oh Lord, it’s hard to be humble
But I’m doing the best that I can
Lord, it’s hard to be humble
But I’m doing the best that I can
