Simple Man

The Charlie Daniels Band, Charlie Daniels

About Simple Man

"Simple Man", is a song written and recorded by the Charlie Daniels Band. It was released in August 1989 as the lead single from their album of the same name.


 Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer

I ain't nothin' but a simple man
They call me a redneck I reckon that I am
But there's things going on
That make me mad down to the core.

I have to work like a dog to make ends meet
There's crooked politicians and crime in the street
And I'm madder'n hell and I ain't gonna take it no more.

We tell our kids to just say no
Then some panty waist judge lets a drug dealer go
Slaps him on the wrist and then he turns him back out on the town.

Now if I had my way with people sellin' dope
I'd take a big tall tree and a short piece of rope
I'd hang 'em up high and let 'em swing 'til the sun goes down

Well, you know what's wrong with the world today
People done gone and put their Bible's away
They're living by the law of the jungle not the law of the land
The good book says it so I know it's the truth
An eye for and eye and a tooth for a tooth
You better watch where you go and remember where you been
That's the way I see it I'm a Simple Man.

Now I'm the kinda man that'd not harm a mouse
But if I catch somebody breakin in my house
I've got twelve gauge shotgun waiting on the other side

So don't go pushing me against my will
I don't want to have to fight you but I dern sure will
So if you don't want trouble then you'd better just pass me on by

As far as I'm concerned there ain't no excuse
For the raping and the killing and the child abuse
And I've got a way to put an end to all that mess

Just take them rascals out in the swamp
Put 'em on their knees and tie 'em to a stump
Let the rattlers and the bugs and the alligators do the rest

You know what's wrong with the world today
People done gone and put their Bible's away
They're living by the law of the jungle not the law of the land
The Good Book says it so I know it's the truth
An eye for and eye and a tooth for a tooth
You better watch where you go and remember where you been
That's the way I see it I'm a simple man

 Become A Better Singer In Only 30 Days, With Easy Video Lessons!


Charlie Daniels

Charles Edward "Charlie" Daniels (born on October 28, 1936) is an American musician known for his contributions to country and southern rock music. He is perhaps best known for his number one country hit "The Devil Went Down to Georgia", and multiple other songs he has written and performed. Daniels has been active as a singer since the early 1950s. He was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry on January 24, 2008. more »

1 fan

Written by: Charles Fred Edwards, Charlie Daniels, John Louis Gavin, William J. Digregorio

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Origin
"Simple Man" is one of the most popular songs by "The Charlie Daniels Band." The song is from their studio album called "Simple Man," which was released in 1985.
Content Classification
The lyrics of the song convey a frustration with the criminal justice system. The song comments on sociopolitical issues and advocates for stricter punishments for crimes.
Performance Fact
"Simple Man" was ranked at number two position on the Billboard's Hot Country Songs chart, thus making it one of the band's most successful songs.
Composition and Structure
The song is characterized by its strong southern rock influence, featuring gritty guitar riffs and Daniels' distinct, powerful vocals. This combination gave "Simple Man" its signature rugged character.
Critical Reception
The song was well-received by most listeners, with some controversy about its harsh view on crime and punishment. Regardless, it is widely considered to be a defining song for The Charlie Daniels Band.
Cover Versions
The song's popularity led to several cover versions by various artists, demonstrating its significant impact on the country and Southern rock genres.
Legacy Classification
The song's enduring popularity has made it a staple in the band's live performances. Even after the death of Charlie Daniels in 2020, "Simple Man" continues to be appreciated by fans of southern rock and country music.
Legal Matter
In 1989, a few years after the release of "Simple Man," Charlie Daniels was involved in a lawsuit about the song. Another songwriter claimed that the song resembled his work, although Daniels won the case.
Video Success
The music video for "Simple Man" was regularly played on various music channels, adding to the song's popularity.
Ironic Classification
Despite its name, "Simple Man" is actually one of most complex compositions by The Charlie Daniels Band, both musically and lyrically.

Discuss the Simple Man Lyrics with the community:

0 Comments

    Citation

    Use the citation below to add these lyrics to your bibliography:

    Style:MLAChicagoAPA

    "Simple Man Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 20 Apr. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/21008659/Charlie+Daniels/Simple+Man>.

    Missing lyrics by Charlie Daniels?

    Know any other songs by Charlie Daniels? Don't keep it to yourself!

    Watch the song video

    Simple Man

    9M
    95,331     3,699

    Browse Lyrics.com

    Quiz

    Are you a music master?

    »
    What is AC/DC's most popular song according to Spotify?
    A It's a Long Way to the Top (If You Want to Rock 'n' Roll)
    B Back in Black
    C Thunderstruck
    D Highway to Hell

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Chrome

    Get instant explanation for any lyrics that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Firefox

    Get instant explanation for any acronym or abbreviation that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Charlie Daniels tracks

    On Radio Right Now

    Loading...

    Powered by OnRad.io


    Think you know music? Test your MusicIQ here!

    Movies soundtrack

    Simple Man

    »