"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 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, Florence N. Peeples, in November 1971. 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 + Weekly chart performance for "Simple Man" Chart (2021–2022) Peakposition New Zealand Hot Singles (RMNZ) 9
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