How does one follow up a single like “Humble and Kind,” a song that affected so many people over so many different life experiences; a song that got recognition from world-known celebrities like Ellen and Oprah that it became a whole other event than just a song on the radio? If you’re Tim McGraw, you follow it with a song that has the characteristics of being a classic, “How I’ll Always Be.”
Now some might have thought a “summer friendly” song would have been a better choice, such as the upbeat “California,” his duet with Big & Rich, as it’s a direct contrast to “Humble and Kind.” But it seems as though McGraw decided to stay along a route of substance versus fun. “How I’ll Always Be,” his third single from his fourteenth studio album Damn Country Music, is a song of roots and truth – an “I am who I am” kind of anthem:
I’ll always be a fan of ol’ stray dogs and guitars playin’
One room churches, black road walks and front porch swingin’
Sunset skies, bonfire nights, I love the simple things
That’s how I’ll always be
In addition to the down-home lyrics (written by Chris Janson, Jamie Paulin and Jeremy Stover), McGraw’s vocals transport to a more classic country tune, accompanied by the slide guitar and drum beat – not to mention his straightforward choice of traditional country to the current fads in the genre, which he clearly doesn’t seem to be a fan of: “I’m a little more ol’ Hank Williams than that trendy crap”
“How I’ll Always Be” hits country radio on July 11th but you can download the song, as well as the complete Damn Country Music album, now on all outlets.