((slowed)) Lynyrd Skynyrd - 'Simple Man' ((85%tempo)) + orig.pitch - (1973)

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, yeah
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
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, be a simple man
Oh, be something you love and understand
Baby, be a simple kind of man

[ViviSaggio-ou]

I only listen to the song when I am emo

[WhatInTheActual]

Lynyrd Skynyrd – "Simple Man" | Song Analysis, Trivia & Meaning

"Simple Man" stands as one of Lynyrd Skynyrd's most emotional and enduring songs, offering a heartfelt message about life, integrity, and wisdom passed down from one generation to the next. Unlike the band's rebellious anthems like "Sweet Home Alabama" and "Free Bird", this track is deeply personal and introspective, resonating with anyone who values life lessons and staying true to oneself.

With its timeless lyrics, powerful melody, and raw sincerity, "Simple Man" remains a cornerstone of Southern rock and one of the band's most beloved songs.


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Background & Trivia

Album & Release: The song was released in 1973 as the closing track on Lynyrd Skynyrd’s debut album, Pronounced 'Lĕh-'nérd 'Skin-'nérd.

Songwriting Inspiration: The lyrics were inspired by the real-life advice given to Ronnie Van Zant and Gary Rossington by their mothers. After Rossington's mother had passed, he and Van Zant reflected on the wisdom their parents had shared, leading them to write this deeply personal song.

Recording & Composition: The song is structured around a simple yet powerful chord progression (C-G-Am), which gradually builds from an acoustic introduction into a soaring, emotional electric guitar solo. This gradual rise in intensity mirrors the song’s message of growing into a strong and independent person.

Live Performances: After Ronnie Van Zant’s tragic death in 1977, the song became a deeply emotional part of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s concerts. His younger brother, Johnny Van Zant, has carried on performing it in tribute to his late brother.

Cultural Impact: "Simple Man" has been covered by numerous artists, most notably Shinedown, whose stripped-down acoustic rendition introduced the song to a younger generation. It has been featured in films, TV shows, and commercials, often symbolizing wisdom, nostalgia, and personal strength.



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Lyrical Breakdown & Meaning

Verse 1: A Mother's Advice

> 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



The song begins with a mother offering life lessons to her son. The setting is intimate—just a parent and child, passing down wisdom that will serve him throughout life. The phrase "if you do this, it'll help you some sunny day" implies that these lessons may not always be immediately clear, but their value will reveal itself over time.


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Verse 2: Taking Life One Step at a Time

> 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



Here, the mother advises patience and resilience. Life moves quickly, and it’s easy to get caught up in the chaos, but taking things slow and learning from hardships is key to a fulfilling life. She reassures him that troubles are temporary and emphasizes the importance of faith ("there is someone up above")—a common theme in Southern rock, which often blends Christian values with everyday struggles.


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Chorus: The Core Message

> 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?



The chorus delivers the song’s central theme: simplicity over materialism. The mother encourages her son to pursue a meaningful life based on love and self-understanding rather than chasing status or wealth. The plea "won't you do this for me?" adds a sense of urgency and emotional weight, reinforcing the depth of the mother’s care and hope for her son’s future.


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Verse 3: Rejecting Materialism

> 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



This verse reinforces the anti-materialistic message of the song. The mother warns against greed and the empty pursuit of wealth ("Forget your lust for the rich man’s gold"), instead urging her son to find fulfillment within himself. Satisfaction comes from inner peace and integrity, not from external riches.


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Verse 4: The Value of Strength & Integrity

> 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?



This repetition of the chorus strengthens the song’s core philosophy. Simplicity is not just about living a modest life but about being true to oneself. The mother encourages her son to embrace what he loves, understand his purpose, and live with integrity.


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Verse 5: Finding Inner Strength

> 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



In the final verse, the mother reassures her son that self-discovery takes time. She urges him to follow his instincts rather than conform to societal pressures. The message here is one of self-reliance and confidence, encouraging him to trust his own path in life.


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Musical Composition & Style

The instrumentation of "Simple Man" is deceptively simple but incredibly effective.

Opening: A soft, acoustic intro sets a contemplative mood, mirroring the mother’s wisdom.

Gradual Build-Up: As the song progresses, electric guitars, drums, and bass gradually intensify, symbolizing the son’s growth and strength as he embraces the lessons he’s learned.

Guitar Solo: The powerful yet melodic solo towards the end is deeply emotional, reflecting both nostalgia and triumph, capturing the feeling of a life well-lived by following these principles.



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Legacy & Cultural Impact

A Southern Rock Anthem: "Simple Man" is one of the most celebrated songs in Southern rock history, with its universal themes transcending generations and musical genres.

Shinedown’s Cover: The rock band Shinedown released an acoustic version of "Simple Man", which introduced the song to younger audiences and became a hit in its own right.

Film & TV: The song has been featured in various movies and TV shows, often used in coming-of-age stories or reflective moments about life lessons and personal growth.

A Song That Resonates: Whether it’s parents playing the song for their children, fans dedicating it to loved ones, or people finding personal meaning in its lyrics, "Simple Man" continues to inspire listeners across all walks of life.



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Final Thoughts: A Timeless Message

At its core, "Simple Man" is a song about values, wisdom, and staying true to oneself. It stands as a testament to the enduring power of family, love, and faith, serving as both a reminder and a guiding light for those navigating life’s challenges.

The song’s message remains just as relevant today as it was in 1973—perhaps even more so in a world where materialism, status, and distraction often cloud what truly matters.

"Simple Man" is more than just a song; it’s a life philosophy—one that countless listeners continue to carry in their hearts.