Lynyrd Skynyrd – Simple Man

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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 will 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

Send "Simple Man" Ringtone to Cell


Lyrics submitted by magicnudiesuit

Track duration: 05:54

"Simple Man" as written by Ronnie Van Zant, Gary Robert Rossington

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, EMI Music Publishing

Lyrics powered by LyricFind


Simple Man song meanings
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66 Comments

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  • 0
    General Comment:"be something you love and understand"
    Hard as Simple ...
    Flag Yazardshiron April 14, 2013   Link
  • +2
    My Opinion:Great song. I listen to it when I'm frustrated or depressed, for example, after a terrorist attack, or a major political/sports scandal.
    Flag WillieBoydon December 13, 2012   Link
  • -1
    My Interpretation:The second verse of the song starts "Forget your lust for the rich man's gold" which points toward more of a meaning in life, as opposed to money. That idea sends the listener back to the soul meaning of the song; being a simple man. Continuing with "All that you need is in your soul" , the song continues and builds off of "Forget your lust for the rich man's gold" ultimately telling the listener that you are who you are, and that is just fine. When the lyrics continue with "And if you can do this...if you try/ All that I want for you my son/ Is to be satisfied", that will help drive the reader home, as if their mother was saying it to them, as previously stated in the first verse. When the reader can make a connection, like being spoken to by their mother, they can relate to the song better and that will set the mood for them. This being a more touching and heartfelt song that Lynyrd Skynyrd has done will also give a message of the importance of being a "Simple man". Great song.
    Flag PjDiddy01on August 15, 2012   Link
  • 0
    Song Meaning:I believe that this song has a good message that we all should learn and live by. It’s saying that you should live your life to the fullest. Do what makes you happy. Don’t let bad things in life get you down. Never give up hope in what you believe in. To live life how it ought to be lived, simply. Don’t base your life off of objects and possessions, but off of love and kindness. Be around people you love. Don’t hide yourself from the world, but let your true self show. Overall, just to be happy.
    Flag HappyBisonon February 06, 2012   Link
  • 0
    My Interpretation:Any only child should recognise the lyrics of this song here. For me, many's the time that my mam and I have sat and talked like that. An amazing song and one that I can seriously relate to.
    Flag CARNLOUon September 07, 2011   Link
  • +3
    My Opinion:i cant believe so many people on here say they 1st heard it from a movie soundtrack. come on peoplke were you all born and raised in a friggin cave? skynyrd will never die. not even a plane crash can kill them off...rock on!
    Flag mossyoak83on July 21, 2011   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:simplicity is the key to a great song, the lyrics tell a story and the music paints the picture
    Flag crowcounteron September 28, 2010   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:This one makes me cry *sniff*. Seriously there have been times in my life (loss of a job, failure of some other sort) where this song has really gotten me back on track. It reminds you me that all the stuff we collect doesn't mean a thing in the end. Only your integrity, your friends, and your soul matter. Don't lose them.
    Flag solspideron March 13, 2010   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:i totally agree with TheInCircuit...this song to me is about life and making most out of it..lynyrd skynyrd ROCK
    Flag jklutzon November 30, 2009   Link
  • 0
    Song Meaning:Amazing song.

    Meaning of it should be quite obvious to most: Enjoy life.

    A man who dies rich with everything he ever wanted will die unhappy. A man who dies with lots of friends, family, and a lifetime of memories, will die with a smile on their face.
    Flag TheInCircuiton August 23, 2009   Link

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