Simple Man Lyrics
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
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
About
The fourth song on Lynyrd Skynyrd’s 1973 album (Pronounced ‘Lĕh-'nérd 'Skin-'nérd). Written by then-vocalist Ronnie Van Zant and lead guitarist Gary Rossington, “Simple Man” is a ballad about a mother imparting some valuable wisdom to her young son, namely to be a simple man who lives honestly and with love and care.
Though it was never a single, it still became one of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s most popular songs in their discography. An acoustic cover of this song was made by Shinedown in 2004 for the reissue of their 2003 debut album Leave a Whisper, which also turned out to be a popular song in its own right.
Q&A
Find answers to frequently asked questions about the song and explore its deeper meaning
“This song is really special to me. It’s about something my Grandmother told me.” Ronnie Van Zant, Lynyrd Skynyrd – One More From The Road
- 4.Simple Man
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