Lynyrd Skynyrd, Simple Man | Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶

In the 113th edition of Throwback Vibez (2024), we recollect and reflect on “Simple Man” by the southern rock band, Lynyrd Skynyrd.   

The vibes, the vibes, those Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶! Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 is a column that celebrates awesome songs from the past.  The records that grace this column are older, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re ancient – no fossils 🦴! All genres of music are welcome. In the 113^th edition of Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 (2024), we recollect and reflect on “Simple Man” performed by Lynyrd Skynyrd.

Seven words: “And be a simple kind of man.” “Simple Man” is one of the most popular songs by the Southern rock band, Lynyrd Skynyrd.  It doesn’t eclipse “Sweet Home Alabama”, the iconic band’s ace-in-the-hole, but it’s high on the list. “Simple Man” is the fourth track from Pronounced ‘Leh-‘Nerd ‘Skin-‘Nerd, released in 1973. It is the ‘second most beloved song’ from the LP following “Free Bird”.  Guitarist Gary Rossington and lead vocalist Ronnie Van Zant wrote “Free Bird.”  Al Kooper produced it. The song’s musical excellence speaks for itself.

“Simple Man” is well-rounded – it’s sound.  This begins with the accompaniment.  There are sensational melodic rhythmic guitar lines and a beefy lead guitar.  The bass lines are muscular, anchoring things down. The drums exceed keeping time, aiding in the pic rhythmical nature of “Simple Man.”  The late Ronnie Van Zant shines with commanding and powerful lead vocals. He felt like the right fit for Lynyrd Skynyrd – tailormade for their style. Songwriting is a draw with an emphasis on staying grounded.  “Oh, take your time, don’t live too fast / Troubles will come and they will pass,” Ronnie sings in the second verse, from the perspective of his mama. He continues, “You’ll find a woman, yeah, and you’ll find love / And don’t forget, son, there is someone up above.” Southern to the core.  Of course, the chorus is the section to beat, beginning with the lyrics excerpted earlier:

“And be a simple kind of man

Oh, be something you love and understand

Baby, be a simple kind of man

Oh, won’t you do this for me, son, if you can.”

“Simple Man” is simply a glorious six minutes of southern rock.  This gem arrived four years before the tragic airplane accident that changed the band forever.  No extensive analysis is necessary for “Simple Man” – let’s keep it simple.

Lynyrd Skynyrd // Pronounced ‘Leh-‘Nerd ‘Skin-‘Nerd // MCA // 1973

Lynyrd Skynyrd, Simple Man: Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 No. 113 (2024) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; MCA; OpenClipart-Vectors, Speedy McVroom from Pixabay]