Simple Man

About this song

The song is the fourth track on Lynyrd Skynyrd's 1973 album and was written by then-vocalist Ronnie Van Zant and lead guitarist Gary Rossington. It was never released as a single, but it became one of the band's most popular songs. Shinedown later recorded an acoustic cover for the 2004 reissue of their 2003 debut album Leave a Whisper, which also became a popular song in its own right.

What it's about

It is a ballad in which a mother passes valuable wisdom on to her young son, urging him to be a simple man who lives honestly and with love and care.

Fun facts

• Sampled in 2 other songs, like “Simple Man by The Underground Avengers (Ft. Demi Demaree)”.
• Covered 13 times, including “Simple Man by Danny Worsnop”.
• Written by Ronnie Van Zant and Gary Rossington.
• Produced by Al Kooper.
• Recorded at Studio One.