Simple Man (Lynyrd Skynyrd song)
 | This article needs additional citations for verification. (April 2021) |
| "Simple Man" | |
|---|---|
| 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 |
"Simple Man" is a song by American rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd, released on their debut studio album, (Pronounced 'Lĕh-'nérd 'Skin-'nérd) (1973).
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]
Musical structure[edit]
"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.
Personnel[edit]
Lynyrd Skynyrd[edit]
- Ronnie Van Zant – lead vocals
- Gary Rossington – lead guitar
- Allen Collins – rhythm guitar
- Ed King – bass
- Bob Burns – drums
- Billy Powell – keyboards
Additional personnel[edit]
- Al Kooper – organ
Charts[edit]
| Chart (2021–2022) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| New Zealand Hot Singles (RMNZ)[2] | 9 |
| US Hot Rock & Alternative Songs (Billboard)[3] | 13 |
Certifications[edit]
| Region | Certification | Certified units/sales |
|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom (BPI)[4] | Silver | 200,000‡ |
|
‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone. | ||
References[edit]
- ^ Grein, Paul (November 27, 2013). "Chart Watch: Eminem Returns to #1, Gaga Sinks to #8". Yahoo Music. Retrieved November 27, 2013.
- ^ "NZ Hot Singles Chart". Recorded Music NZ. October 10, 2022. Retrieved October 8, 2022.
- ^ "Lynyrd Skynyrd Chart History (Hot Rock & Alternative Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved April 6, 2021.
- ^ "British single certifications – Lynyrd Skynyrd – Simple Man". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved April 28, 2023.
