"Simple Man" is the last track on side one of Lynyrd Skynyrd's debut album, (Pronounced 'Lĕh-'nérd 'Skin-'nérd).

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The song is one of Lynyrd Skynyrd's most popular songs. 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

"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.[2] The chorus of the song includes electric guitars imitating sections of the arpeggiated intro progression. The guitar solo is performed by Gary Rossington.

Personnel

Lynyrd Skynyrd

• Ronnie Van Zant – lead vocals
• Gary Rossington – lead guitar and guitar solo
• Allen Collins – rhythm and lead guitars
• Ed King – bass guitar
• Bob Burns – drums and percussion
• Billy Powell – keyboards

Additional personnel

• Al Kooper – organ

Charts

References

External links

• Lynyrd Skynyrd - Simple Man on YouTube