"Simple Man" is a song by American rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd, released on their debut studio album, (Pronounced 'Lĕh-'nérd 'Skin-'nérd) (1973).
"Simple Man" | |
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Song by Lynyrd Skynyrd | |
from the album (Pronounced 'Lĕh-'nérd 'Skin-'nérd) | |
Released | 1973 |
Recorded | 1973 |
Studio | Studio One (Doraville, Georgia) |
Genre | |
Length |
|
Label | Sounds of the South |
Songwriter(s) | |
Producer(s) | Al Kooper |
The song is one of Lynyrd Skynyrd's most popular. 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.[1]
"Simple Man" is written in the key of A minor/C major, though all guitars were tuned down a half step, effectively making it G♯ minor/B. The song begins with an electric arpeggiated chord sequence made up of the chords C major, G major and A minor (though with the tuned-down guitars, effective progression of B major, F♯ major and G♯ minor). This intro is accompanied by a bass line and cymbals before the drums and vocals come in for the verse. Lyrically the song is about a mother talking to her child about life, inspired by the passing of Ronnie Van Zant's grandmother.[citation needed] The chorus of the song includes electric guitars imitating sections of the arpeggiated intro progression. The guitar solo is performed by Gary Rossington.
Chart (2021–2022) | Peak position |
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New Zealand Hot Singles (RMNZ)[2] | 9 |
US Hot Rock & Alternative Songs (Billboard)[3] | 13 |
Region | Certification | Certified units/sales |
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United Kingdom (BPI)[4] | Silver | 200,000‡ |
‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone. |