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Country

Humidity Built The Snowman – Toby Keith

Toby Keith Tribute Leaves Fans 'Bawling' at 2024 CMT Music Awards - Parade

About the Song

Toby is quarantined down in Mexico and forgot his guitar in the 405, so he stopped by a furniture store and found a rickety, old guitar with strings too high off the neck – but it would have to do! Here’s his rendition of the great John Prine’s “Humidity Built The Snowman”.

John Prine, a master of storytelling through song, often explored themes of life, love, and the human condition with a unique blend of humor and poignancy. His song “Humidity Built the Snowman” is a prime example of his ability to craft a seemingly simple tale that carries profound philosophical implications.

The song’s central metaphor, a snowman built of humidity, is a striking image that instantly captures the attention. A snowman, traditionally made of snow, is a symbol of winter and ephemeral beauty. However, Prine’s twist – a snowman constructed from humidity – transforms this familiar image into a commentary on the transitory nature of life. Humidity, a force invisible yet powerful, can create and destroy with equal ease.

The song’s lyrics, filled with Prine’s trademark wit and wisdom, explore the idea that even the most seemingly solid and enduring things can be undone by unseen forces. The snowman, a symbol of childhood innocence and joy, is ultimately melted away by the sun, a force that is both life-giving and destructive. This image can be interpreted as a metaphor for the fragility of human life and the inevitability of loss.

Beyond its metaphorical significance, “Humidity Built the Snowman” is also a beautiful and evocative piece of music. Prine’s distinctive voice, with its warm and gravelly tone, perfectly conveys the song’s melancholic yet hopeful atmosphere. The simple, yet effective melody complements the lyrics, creating a timeless and unforgettable piece of art.

In conclusion, “Humidity Built the Snowman” is a poignant and thought-provoking song that invites listeners to contemplate the impermanence of life and the importance of cherishing the moments we have. Prine’s masterful storytelling and evocative imagery make this song a true classic that continues to resonate with audiences of all ages.Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame 2021: Toby Keith, Amy Grant to Join

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Lyrics: Humidity Built The Snowman

Does he still think about her
Why there was never really any doubt
Every time he lights a candle
Or blows a candle out
The scientific nature of the ordinary man
Is to go on out and do the best you canI don’t think that you know
That I think you don’t know
That old barometer goes crazy baby
Every time it starts to snow
You won’t find me walking
Round your part of town
Humidity built the snowman
Sunshine brought him downThis world is full of people
They never seem to fall
Somebody said they seen you
You hadn’t changed at all
The fundamental story
Of the contemporary man
Is to walk away and someday understandI don’t think that you know
That I think you don’t know
That old barometer goes crazy baby
Every time it starts to snow
You won’t find me walking
Round your part of town
Humidity built the snowman
Sunshine brought him down

The scientific nature of the ordinary man
Is to go on out and do the best you can

I don’t think that you know
That I think you don’t know
That old barometer goes crazy baby
Every time it starts to snow
You won’t find me walking
Round your part of town
Humidity built the snowman
Sunshine brought him down

Humidity built the snowman
Sunshine brought him down
Brought him down

 

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