About the song
Few artists embody the spirit of American music quite like **Willie Nelson**, and few songs capture his wit, humility, and signature charm better than **“It’s Hard to Be Humble.”** Though originally written and released by **Mac Davis** in 1980, this playful anthem of tongue-in-cheek arrogance took on new life in Willie’s hands. Known for his warm phrasing and sly sense of humor, **Willie Nelson** approaches this song not as a boast but as a knowing wink to the audience—a reminder that self-deprecation and pride can dance in the same line of verse when delivered with the right blend of heart and twinkle.
Released in 2020 as part of his album *First Rose of Spring*, Willie’s version of **“It’s Hard to Be Humble”** features his sons **Lukas Nelson** and **Micah Nelson**, turning what might have been a solo performance into a lighthearted, familial singalong. The arrangement remains simple and intimate, driven by acoustic guitar and a gentle shuffle that echoes the easygoing feel of a campfire gathering. Willie’s voice—weathered yet wonderfully expressive—delivers the lyrics with a knowing smile, reminding listeners that a bit of humor goes a long way when confronting the absurdities of aging, ego, and the human condition.
What makes **Nelson’s rendition** so endearing is how well it aligns with his public persona. Willie has long been admired not just for his songwriting but for his ability to laugh at himself, to embrace life’s imperfections, and to share joy through music. This track fits perfectly into that legacy. Rather than sounding like a boast, the repeated refrain—“Oh Lord, it’s hard to be humble when you’re perfect in every way”—becomes an invitation to laugh together, especially as we grow older and come to appreciate the value of not taking ourselves too seriously.
In a world where many songs clamor for attention with drama or intensity, **“It’s Hard to Be Humble”** is a welcome pause—a reminder that humility, humor, and honesty still resonate deeply. And with **Willie Nelson** leading the way, it’s impossible not to smile along.
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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
