Simple Man

Lynyrd Skynyrd

About Simple Man

"Simple Man" is the last track on side one of Lynyrd Skynyrd's debut album Pronounced 'Lĕh-'nérd 'Skin-'nérd. The song is one of Lynyrd Skynyrd's most popular songs. Since the song became available for digital download, it has become Lynyrd Skynyrd's third best-selling digital song after "Sweet Home Alabama" and "Free Bird". It has sold 1,333,000 copies in the U. S. as of November 2013.


Year:
2004
5:59
123 
#2

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

Mama told me when I was young
"Come sit beside me, my only son
And listen closely to what I say
And if you do this it'll help you some sunny day"

"Oh, take your time, don't live too fast
Troubles will come and they will pass
You'll find a woman and you'll find love
And don't forget, son, there is someone up above"

"And be a simple kind of man
Oh, be something you love and understand
Baby be a simple kind of man
Oh, won't you do this for me, son, if you can"

"Forget your lust for the rich man's gold
All that you need is in your soul
And you can do this, oh baby, if you try
All that I want for you, my son, is to be satisfied"

"And be a simple kind of man
Oh, be something you love and understand
Baby be a simple kind of man
Oh, won't you do this for me, son, if you can"

Oh yes, I will

"Boy, don't you worry, you'll find yourself
Follow your heart and nothing else
And you can do this, oh baby, if you try
All that I want for you, my son, is to be satisfied"

"And be a simple kind of man
Oh, be something you love and understand
Baby be a simple kind of man
Oh, won't you do this for me, son, if you can"

Baby, be a simple, really simple man
Oh, be something you love and understand

 The easy, fast & fun way to learn how to sing: 30DaySinger.com


Lynyrd Skynyrd

Lynyrd Skynyrd (pronounced /ˌlɛnərd ˈskɪnərd/ LEN-ərd-SKIN-ərd) is an American rock band best known for popularizing the Southern hard rock genre during the 1970s. Originally formed in 1964 as the "Noble Five" in Jacksonville, Florida, the band rose to worldwide recognition on the basis of its driving live performances and signature tunes "Sweet Home Alabama," and "Free Bird." At the peak of their success, three members died in an airplane crash in 1977, putting an abrupt end to the band's most popular incarnation. more »

22 fans

Written by: Gary Rossington, Ron Van Zant

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Song Composition
"Simple Man" is a song written by Ronnie Van Zant and Gary Rossington of Lynyrd Skynyrd.
Album Information
This track is included in Lynyrd Skynyrd's debut album, "Pronounced 'Leh-'nérd 'Skin-'nérd", which was released in 1973.
Song Inspiration
"Simple Man" was inspired by a comment made by Ronnie Van Zant's grandmother when she told him to "be a simple kind of man."
Posthumous Release
Even though the song was recorded in 1973, it received significant radio play following the 1977 plane crash in which Ronnie Van Zant, Steve Gaines and backup singer Cassie Gaines were killed.
Remakes and Covers
Several artists have covered or remade "Simple Man.", including Shinedown, The Deftones, and Charlie Daniels.
Live Performances
Lynyrd Skynyrd typically plays "Simple Man" towards the end of their live performances as it is one of their most popular songs.
Chart Performance
Despite its popularity, "Simple Man" wasn’t released as a single and therefore didn't chart upon its original release. However, it has become one of Lynyrd Skynyrd's signature songs.
Song Theme
"Simple Man" subscribes to a common theme in rock where the guidance of a parent is given to a child, in this case urging the child to maintain modesty and humility in all endeavors.
Song Duration
It is a long song, with a duration of 5 minutes and 57 seconds, which is typical of many Lynyrd Skynyrd’s tracks.
Mourning Tribute
After Ronnie's death, the surviving members reformed the band in 1987 with Johnny Van Zant leading. They often close their shows with "Simple Man," turning it into a tribute to Ronnie and the others lost in the plane crash.

Discuss the Simple Man Lyrics with the community:

0 Comments

    Citation

    Use the citation below to add these lyrics to your bibliography:

    Style:MLAChicagoAPA

    "Simple Man Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 29 Mar. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/7438070/Lynyrd+Skynyrd/Simple+Man>.

    Missing lyrics by Lynyrd Skynyrd?

    Know any other songs by Lynyrd Skynyrd? Don't keep it to yourself!

    Watch the song video

    Simple Man

    250.5M
    1.1M     74,755

    Browse Lyrics.com

    Quiz

    Are you a music master?

    »
    What is Green Day's longest song?
    A Homecoming
    B 21 Guns
    C Boulevard of Broken Dreams
    D Jesus of Suburbia

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Chrome

    Get instant explanation for any lyrics that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Firefox

    Get instant explanation for any acronym or abbreviation that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Don't miss Lynyrd Skynyrd's

    Upcoming Events

    »
    Lynyrd Skynyrd tracks

    On Radio Right Now

    Loading...

    Powered by OnRad.io


    Think you know music? Test your MusicIQ here!

    Movies soundtrack

    Simple Man

    »