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| "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.
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. 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
- 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) | 9 |
| US Hot Rock & Alternative Songs (Billboard) | 13 |
Certifications
| Region | Certification | Certified units/sales |
|---|---|---|
| Brazil (Pro-Música Brasil) | Gold | 30,000 |
| New Zealand (RMNZ) | Platinum | 30,000 |
| United Kingdom (BPI) | Silver | 200,000 |
|
Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone. | ||
References
- 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.
- "Brazilian single certifications – Lynyrd Skynyrd – Simple Man" (in Portuguese). Pro-Música Brasil. Retrieved September 3, 2024.
- "New Zealand single certifications – Lynyrd Skynyrd – Simple Man". Recorded Music NZ. Retrieved December 7, 2024.
- "British single certifications – Lynyrd Skynyrd – Simple Man". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved April 28, 2023.
External links
| Shinedown | |
|---|---|
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| Studio albums | |
| EPs | |
| Singles |
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| Music DVDs | |
| Related articles | |