Introduction
In “The Best I Know How,” The Statler Brothers offer a touching, honest portrait of a man who may not always get everything right, but who gives his love, his loyalty, and his heart with all the sincerity he can muster. Featured on their 1988 album Maple Street Memories, this song is a quiet declaration of devotion and humility, resonating with anyone who’s ever tried to show love—not with perfect words, but with faithful effort.
Written by Jimmy Fortune, the group’s tenor whose songwriting often carried emotional weight and simplicity, the song embraces the everyday heroism of ordinary love. There’s no grand romance here, no sweeping gestures—just a man standing in front of someone he loves, saying, “I’m doing the best I know how.”
The opening lines set the tone with vulnerability and grace:
“I never said I’m perfect / But you don’t hear me complain…”
From the beginning, the message is clear: this is about honest effort, commitment, and trying to love someone the right way, even when words fall short.
Don Reid’s lead vocal carries the song with his familiar blend of warmth and conversational ease, while Harold Reid’s deep bass, Phil Balsley’s steady harmony, and Jimmy Fortune’s soaring tenor come together to create the signature Statler sound—rich, sincere, and deeply human. The harmonies don’t overwhelm—they gently wrap around the lyric like a reassuring embrace.
Musically, the arrangement is understated and classic: acoustic guitar, soft piano, and a gentle rhythm section support the vocals, letting the lyrics breathe. This simplicity mirrors the song’s theme—that love doesn’t need to be loud to be true.
What makes “The Best I Know How” so touching is its emotional humility. It’s a reminder that in love, it’s not about being perfect—it’s about showing up, giving your best, and being present even when it’s hard. That message—so rarely spoken with such clarity—is what makes this song timeless.
For fans of The Statler Brothers, this track is a shining example of why their music endures: it speaks to real life, real love, and the quiet courage it takes to simply do your best.
In “The Best I Know How,” The Statler Brothers remind us that love isn’t always polished or poetic—sometimes, it’s just steady, faithful, and honest. And sometimes, that’s more than enough.
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