What's remarkable about Cody Johnson's new single "Human" is what it's not. The traditional country apology backs up his (to this point) career-defining single "Til You Can't," but it's not as instantly iconic.

The tone of both singles from the Human: The Double Album project is similar. They rely on a pinch of regret, but encourage the listener to do very different things. While his chart-topper inspires change, this second song doesn't promise as much. Johnson repents and recognizes the need for change, but by the end of the first verse, it's clear an apology is all we're going to get.

While less comfortable, "Human" is equally honest. The phrase "learning to be human" is worth exploring deeper, but it's unlikely any two people will come to the same conclusion about a concept so important he named his album after it. Even with no resolution, "Human" is still strong lyrically (the opening couplet is 10/10 songwriting), and Trent Willmon brings the guitarwork to the forefront in a way not done in decades.

"Human" is complex. Complex things take a while to embrace. It's a big ask from Johnson, but his pedigree suggests he's got the kind of loyal fan base that's up for it.

Did You Know?: Tony Lane wrote "Human" with Travis Meadows, whose remarkable country hits include "Riser" by Dierks Bentley and "What We Ain't Got" by Jake Owen.

Listen to Cody Johnson, "Human":

Cody Johnson, "Human" Lyrics:

I thought by now I'd have it figured out / How not to make the easy thing so hard to do / I bet that I'd be further down this road / If I could read the signs that point me to the truth / I never planned on being nothin' but a cowboy / But somewhere I picked up this old guitar / Girl, all I can say is that I'm sorry / If I get kind of careless with your heart.

Chorus:
All the headlights / All the midnights / Chasing all that empty, still ain't got it right / All the crazy / All the gypsy / Well I guess all I'm sayin' is forgive me / If I don't know what I'm doing / I'm still learning to be human.

So far I've been good at burning bridges / Strike a match and ride right out of town / Bless your heart for never trying to fix me / Or quit me or slow me down.

Repeat Chorus

All the highways / Playin' outlaw / Rollin' outta nowhere with the breaks off / All the crazy / And the whiskey / Wakin' up and wonderin' what hit me / Whoa, forgive me, I really don't know what I'm doing / 'Cause I'm still learning to be human / Mm, still learning to be human.

attachment-Cody Johnson Human Lyrics
Warner Music Nashville
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There are plenty of feel-good country jams on this list of the top country songs of 2022, but the No. 1 song is a gut punch. These 10 songs are ranked by critical acclaim, radio and sales success, and importance to the genre.

Five of the 10 artists made our Top Country Songs list from 2021 as well, but there are no repeats. If a song made a previous list or didn't spend most of its time on the charts in 2022, it's not eligible. So, before you ask where your favorite song is, be sure the miss isn't just a technicality.

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