One of my favorite songs is “Humble and Kind,” popularized by country star Tim McGraw and composed by Lori McKenna (who herself performs a great version). I’ve been thinking longfully about it lately, as the tenor of our times cuts so deeply against the song’s spirit.
Of course, you have to hear it to truly appreciate it; even better, I urge you to view the McGraw version’s official video, which I share here (and which, with all due respect to country music, offers images not typical of that genre). For now, I’ll simply quote the composition and ask whether you could ever imagine the current White House occupant saying this:
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
Our national dialogue has strayed so far from such sentiments in this cruel, contentious age. The president promises his fans that “I am your retribution”; he broadcasts a steady stream of hateful messages. Yet, as the song shows, there’s hope despite the hate…
“Humble and Kind” is not about America, per se. But it’s still a reminder of the gentler sides of this country and our shared humanity. Though I’m not religious and my grandparents are long gone, I still find its homespun opening comforting:
You know there’s a light that glows by the front door
Don’t forget the key’s under the mat
When childhood stars shine
Always stay humble and kind
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
This is not to dismiss taking pride in who we are; pride and humility are not mutually exclusive.
Nor am I asserting that we shouldn’t be angry, even furious, about what each day’s headlines bring; we can in fact channel our anger into productive action.
And I’m certainly not claiming that humility, kindness, courtesy and compassion are always my own daily calling cards.
I’m instead saying that in these times we stay sane and positive partly by cherishing these qualities. While they’re always valuable, they become even more so when our national leadership is so coarse and corrupt.
In some ways, the song is simply a parent telling a kid about what’s really important in life. More generally, it’s about a generosity of spirit, particularly toward the less fortunate.
It’s also about humanity. Check out that McGraw video to get a full sense of that.
Finally, these final lines can remind our nation of immigrants of something to bear in mind in how we treat today’s newcomers…
Don’t take for granted the love this life gives you
When you get where you’re going, don’t forget, turn back around
And help the next one in line
Always stay humble and kind
Thanks for this generous and beautiful reminder, Steve. Active kindness goes beyond mere civility; we need more of both in these shockingly divisive times.
Thanks very much, Phil. And right you are. I hope you had a chance to check out the beautiful video.
Steve,
For a long time, I’ve thought about why I think that big gestures and actions are what count most. Your statement that “cherishing” and embodying certain qualities are enough–even if those behaviors might seem small in the scheme of things–is a perspective that I would like to embrace. But it is really challenging when the world is pummeled and traumatized by a tyrant, and the wish is strong to do something big in opposition to him and his oligarchs. Of course, what is that big thing that I could do, you could do, millions could do to make a difference? We wait for spring. Then the snow, along with this country’s bitter winter temperament, will thaw. I hope the small things, and the potential to do something big, are realized then.
I appreciate the focus and thoughtfulness behind this and all of your “A Promised Land” posts. This type of communication is important. Thanks!
Thanks, Kelly and Mike.
Kelly, I didn’t mean to say that cherishing and embodying certain qualities is enough. What I mean is that doing so is part of the mix at any point in a rewarding life, but becomes especially important now.
As to what else we can do…organize, demonstrate, donate, canvass, boycott and, above all, don’t give up.
Such a powerful sentiment, Steve. I wonder if we could start rating our political leaders this way?
A very belated thanks, Veronica. I appreciate the your wise input, both because it’s from you and because it’s coming in from Australia.