Simple Man (Lynyrd Skynyrd song)
1973 song by Lynyrd Skynyrd
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"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" | |
|---|---|
| Song by Lynyrd Skynyrd | |
| from the album (Pronounced 'Lĕh-'nérd 'Skin-'nérd) | |
| Released | August 13, 1973 |
| Recorded | April 1973 |
| Studio | Studio One (Doraville, Georgia) |
| Genre | |
| Length |
|
| Label | Sounds of the South |
| Songwriters | |
| Producer | 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]
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 A♭ minor/B major. 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 A♭ 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 playing variations on the arpeggiated intro progression. The guitar solo is performed by Gary Rossington.
Personnel
Lynyrd Skynyrd
- Ronnie Van Zant – lead vocals
- Gary Rossington – lead guitar
- Allen Collins – rhythm guitar
- Ed King – bass
- Bob Burns – drums
- Billy Powell – keyboards
Additional personnel
- Al Kooper – organ
Charts
| Chart (2021–2022) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| New Zealand Hot Singles (RMNZ)[2] | 9 |
| US Hot Rock & Alternative Songs (Billboard)[3] | 13 |
Certifications
| Region | Certification | Certified units/sales |
|---|---|---|
| Brazil (Pro-Música Brasil)[4] | Gold | 30,000‡ |
| New Zealand (RMNZ)[5] | 4× Platinum | 120,000‡ |
| United Kingdom (BPI)[6] Sales since 2005 |
Gold | 400,000‡ |
|
‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone. | ||