Lynyrd Skynyrd

Lyrics

[Verse 1]
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, ah yeah"

[Break]
(Be a simple man)

[Verse 2]
Oh, take your time, don't live too fast
Troubles will come and they will pass
You'll find a woman, yeah, and you'll find love
And don't forget, son, there is someone up above

[Chorus]
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?

[Verse 3]
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
[Chorus]
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

[Guitar Solo]

[Verse 4]
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

[Chorus]
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?

[Outro]
Baby, be a simple, be a simple man
Oh, be something you love and understand
Baby, be a simple kind of man

Simple Man is a soulful ballad written by Ronnie Van Zant and Gary Rossington and is featured on Lynyrd Skynyrd's 1973 album '(Pronounced ‘Lĕh-'nérd 'Skin-'nérd)'. The song is an embodiment of a mother's advice to her son, encouraging him to live an honest and humble life filled with love and compassion. The track has been one of the most beloved songs in Lynyrd Skynyrd's discography and is often cited as one of the greatest ballads of all time.

About Simple Man

The song, Simple Man, begins with a soft acoustic guitar and gradually builds up with emotional lyrics and harmonies. It's a blend of rock and country with a hint of soulful tune emanating from Ronnie Van Zant's vocals. At its core, the song is an inspiring message from a mother to her son, advising him to live a simple and honest life.

The lyrics of the song evoke a feeling of nostalgia and warmth, with phrases such as "take your time, don't live too fast" and "forget your lust for the rich man's gold." It is clear that the mother's advice is not only about personal values but also teaches important life lessons. The song reminds us that while we may possess numerous material possessions and luxuries in life, they do not define our worth or success. Genuine happiness and fulfillment can be found in simpler things, such as love and compassion.

Simple Man may not have been released as a single, but it nonetheless stands as one of Lynyrd Skynyrd's most beloved tracks. The timeless message of the song has resonated with people of all ages since its release in 1973, and its influence has been evident in multiple cover versions by popular artists.

In 2004, Shinedown released an acoustic cover of Simple Man, and it became an instant success, ensuring the continued popularity of this song across generations. The cover is still hailed as one of the best modern renditions of the song and has managed to attract younger listeners to Simple Man’s timeless message.

Simple Man is an excellent representation of the enduring and far-reaching appeal of Lynyrd Skynyrd's music. The band's ability to combine social commentary, profound messages, powerful harmonies, and storytelling with raw yet polished musical production has seen them endure the test of time with their fans.

Overall, Simple Man is a beautiful song with a moving message that has touched millions of fans worldwide. It will always be an important and significant track in Lynyrd Skynyrd's discography and is a testament to their legacy as one of America's greatest rock bands.

• Release Date: August 13, 1973
• Artist: Lynyrd Skynyrd