Marty Robbins – It’s Not Too Hard: A Gentle Lesson in the Simplicity of Kindness
In the grand tapestry of Marty Robbins’ career, nestled among the epic gunfights and the soaring Spanish ballads, lies a quiet gem that speaks directly to the heart of the “human condition.” “It’s Not Too Hard” was released on his 1963 album “Portrait of Marty,” a project that showcased the singer at his most versatile and intimate. While the album reached number 7 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart, tracks like this one offered a more personal glimpse into Marty’s philosophy. It is a song for those of us who have lived through the complexities of the mid-20th century and realized that the most powerful solutions to life’s problems are often the simplest ones.
To listen to this recording today is to hear a master of the Nashville Sound stripping away the drama to deliver a message of pure, unadorned hope. Marty’s voice—smooth, steady, and filled with a seasoned warmth—reminds us that the world doesn’t always require a grand gesture; sometimes, it just needs a bit of understanding. It evokes memories of Sunday afternoons when the pace of life allowed for a neighborly chat over the fence, and a simple “I understand” was worth more than a thousand sermons.
The Story Behind the Softhearted Advice
The history of “It’s Not Too Hard” is a reflection of Marty’s transition into a more “pop-country” elder statesman role in the early sixties. Recorded at Columbia Records in Nashville, the session captured a relaxed, thoughtful atmosphere. Written by the talented Donny Young (who would later gain fame as the outlaw Johnny Paycheck), the song was a perfect fit for Marty’s “Country Gentleman” persona. At a time when the world was beginning to feel the tension of the Cold War and social upheaval, Marty chose to record a song that advocated for the “gentle way.” The arrangement, featuring a soft, rhythmic acoustic guitar and a subtle, supportive chorus, was designed to feel like a friendly hand on the shoulder—a musical “common sense” that resonated with listeners of all ages.
A Reflection on the Geometry of the Heart
The meaning of the song strikes a resonant chord for the mature reader who has seen the world become increasingly complicated. Its central message—that being kind, forgiving, and patient “is not too hard”—is a profound challenge to the cynical. For those of us navigating our later years, the lyrics serve as a beautiful reminder of the legacy we wish to leave behind. It suggests that our greatest achievement isn’t found in our professional victories, but in the way we treated the people around us. It is a song about the “economy of kindness,” where the investment of a smile or a kind word pays dividends that last a lifetime.
As we revisit this track, it stirs a powerful, sweet nostalgia for the values of a generation that believed in the power of “doing unto others.” It reminds us that even when our bodies grow weary and our pace slows down, our capacity for compassion remains undiminished. Marty Robbins didn’t just sing a pleasant melody; he gave us a simple rulebook for living a life of peace. “It’s Not Too Hard” remains a timeless reminder that while the world may be a difficult place, we have the power to make it a little softer, one small act of kindness at a time.