Simple Man (Lynyrd Skynyrd song)

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This article is about the Lynyrd Skynyrd song. For other uses, see Simple Man.

"Simple Man"
Song by Lynyrd Skynyrd
from the album (Pronounced 'Lĕh-'nérd 'Skin-'nérd)
Released1973
Recorded1973
StudioStudio One (Doraville, Georgia)
Genre
Length
  • 5:57 (album version)
  • 6:39 (live version)
LabelSounds of the South
Songwriters
ProducerAl 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.[1]

Musical structure

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"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 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 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.[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

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Lynyrd Skynyrd

Additional personnel

Charts

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Weekly chart performance for "Simple Man"
Chart (2021–2022) Peak
position
New Zealand Hot Singles (RMNZ)[2] 9
US Hot Rock & Alternative Songs (Billboard)[3] 13

Certifications

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Certifications and sales for "Simple Man"
Region Certification Certified units/sales
Brazil (Pro-Música Brasil)[4] Gold 30,000‡
New Zealand (RMNZ)[5] Platinum 30,000‡
United Kingdom (BPI)[6] Silver 200,000‡

‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

References

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  1. ^ Grein, Paul (November 27, 2013). "Chart Watch: Eminem Returns to #1, Gaga Sinks to #8". Yahoo Music. Retrieved November 27, 2013.
  2. ^ "NZ Hot Singles Chart". Recorded Music NZ. October 10, 2022. Retrieved October 8, 2022.
  3. ^ "Lynyrd Skynyrd Chart History (Hot Rock & Alternative Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved April 6, 2021.
  4. ^ "Brazilian single certifications – Lynyrd Skynyrd – Simple Man" (in Portuguese). Pro-Música Brasil. Retrieved September 3, 2024.
  5. ^ "New Zealand single certifications – Lynyrd Skynyrd – Simple Man". Recorded Music NZ. Retrieved December 7, 2024.
  6. ^ "British single certifications – Lynyrd Skynyrd – Simple Man". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved April 28, 2023.
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