Sinner Man

Nina Simone

About Sinner Man

"Sinner Man" or "Sinnerman" is an African American traditional spiritual song that has been recorded by a number of performers and has been incorporated in many other of the media and arts. The lyrics describe a sinner attempting to hide from divine justice on Judgment Day. It was recorded in the 1950s by Les Baxter, the Swan Silvertones, the Weavers and others, before Nina Simone recorded an extended version in 1965.


Year:
1991
10:19
37 

 Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer

Oh, sinnerman, where you gonna run to?
Sinnerman where you gonna run to?
Where you gonna run to?
All on that day
We got to run to the rock
Please hide me, I run to the rock
Please hide me, run to the rock
Please hide here
All on that day
But the rock cried out
I can't hide you, the rock cried out
I can't hide you, the rock cried out
I ain't gonna hide you there
All on that day
I said rock
What's the matter with you rock?
Don't you see I need you, rock?
Good Lord, Lord
All on that day
So I run to the river
It was bleedin', I run to the sea
It was bleedin', I run to the sea
It was bleedin', all on that day
So I run to the river
It was boilin', I run to the sea
It was boilin', I run to the sea
It was boilin', all on that day

So I run to the Lord
Please hide me, Lord
Don't you see me prayin'?
Don't you see me down here prayin'?
But the Lord said
Go to the Devil, the Lord said
Go to the Devil
He said go to the Devil
All on that day
So I ran to the Devil
He was waitin', I ran to the Devil
He was waitin', ran to the Devil
He was waitin', all on that day
I cried, power, power (power, Lord)
Power (power, Lord)
Power (power, Lord)
Power (power, Lord)
Power (power, Lord)
Power (power, Lord)
Power (power, Lord)
Kingdom (power, Lord)
Kingdom (power, Lord)
Kingdom (power, Lord)
Kingdom (power, Lord)
Power (power, Lord)
Power (power, Lord)
Power (power, Lord)
Power (power, Lord)
Power (power, Lord)
Power (power, Lord)
Power (power, Lord)
Power (power, Lord)
Power (power, Lord)
Power (power, Lord)
Power (power, Lord)
Power (power, Lord)

Oh yeah
Oh yeah
Oh yeah
Well, I run to the river
It was boilin', I run to the sea
It was boilin', I run to the sea
It was boilin', all on that day
So I ran to the Lord
I said Lord, hide me
Please hide me
Please help me, all on that day
He said, hide?
Where were you?
When you oughta have been prayin'
I said Lord, Lord
Hear me prayin', Lord, Lord
Hear me prayin', Lord, Lord
Hear me prayin', all on that day
Sinnerman, you oughta be prayin'
Outghta be prayin', sinnerman
Oughta be prayin', all on that day

Up come power (power, Lord)
Power (power, Lord)
Power (power, Lord)
Power (power, Lord)
Power (power, Lord)
Power (power, Lord)
Power (power, Lord)
Power (power, Lord)
Power (power, Lord)
Power (power, Lord)
Power (power, Lord)
Power (power, Lord)
(Power, Lord)
Hold down (power, Lord)
Go down (power, Lord)
Kingdom (power, Lord)
Power (power, Lord)
Power (power, Lord)
Power (power, Lord)
Na-na-na, na-na-na-na
Na-na-na, na-na-na-na
Na-na-na, na-na-na-na

Woah, ho
Ha-ha-ha-ha
Ha-ha-ha-ha, oh Lord
Nu, nu, nu
No-no-no-no, ma-na-na-na-na, don't you know I need you Lord?
Don't you know that I need you?
Don't you know that I need you?

Oh, Lord
Wait
Oh, Lord
Oh, Lord, Lord

 Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer


Nina Simone

Eunice Kathleen Waymon (February 21, 1933 – April 21, 2003), better known by her stage name Nina Simone /ˈniːnə sɨˈmoʊn/, was an American singer, songwriter, pianist, arranger, and civil rights activist widely associated with jazz music. Simone aspired to become a classical pianist while working in a broad range of styles including classical, jazz, blues, folk, R&B, gospel, and pop. more »

4 fans

Written by: NINA SIMONE

Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


7 facts about this song

Authors & Composers
"Sinnerman" is a traditional African-American spiritual song that has been recorded by a number of performers. The authors and composers are unknown.
Nina Simone's Version
Nina Simone, renowned American singer and civil rights activist, recorded a 10-minute version of “Sinner Man” for her 1965 album, 'Pastel Blues.' - Simone's version diverged significantly from the traditional gospel song, introducing distinctive elements such as rhythmic piano, expressive vocals, and African-oriented beats to convey deep emotions. - It's considered one of Simone's most iconic and influential performances, showcasing her versatile musical style that merges gospel, jazz, and soul.
The Weavers' Version
Folk music quartet The Weavers recorded a version of "Sinner Man" in 1956 on their album, 'The Weavers at Carnegie Hall.' - The Weavers' rendition presents the song as a traditional folk tune, prioritizing vocal harmonies and simple instrumentation.
Film and TV Appearances
"Sinner Man" has been used extensively in movies, TV shows, and advertisements. Nina Simone's version, in particular, has been featured in multiple films such as "The Thomas Crown Affair", "Miami Vice", and "Inland Empire".
Remixes and Sample Use
The Song has been sampled and remixed by many artists, including notable remix by Felix Da Housecat released in 2003. It was a hit in clubs and reached number six on the Billboard dance charts.
Social Relevance
The song tackles themes of repentance and redemption, offering a profound exploration of the African-American struggle and spirituality. Simone's rendition, in particular, resonates as an outcry for justice and civil rights movement.
Languages
"Sinner Man" has been translated and covered in different languages by numerous artists across the globe, a testament to its universal appeal and influence.

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