Simple Man
Guidance for a Life Well-Lived: Lessons from 'Simple Man'
Lyrics
Mama told me when I was young
Mama advises her young son.
"Come sit beside me, my only son
Mama invites her son to sit beside her and imparts wisdom.
And listen closely to what I say
Mama asks him to listen closely to her advice.
And if you do this it will help you some sunny day"
If he follows her advice, it will benefit him in the future.
"Oh, take your time, don't live too fast
Encouragement to take life at a measured pace.
Troubles will come and they will pass
Life's troubles are temporary and will pass.
You'll find a woman and you'll find love
He will find love and a life partner.
And don't forget, son, there is someone up above"
Reminder of a higher power watching over him.
"And be a simple kind of man
Advice to be a simple and uncomplicated person.
Oh, be something you love and understand
Suggests pursuing something he loves and understands.
Baby be a simple kind of man
Reiteration to be a simple person.
Oh, won't you do this for me, son, if you can"
Request for the son to heed this advice if possible.
"Forget your lust for the rich man's gold
Discouragement from pursuing material wealth.
All that you need is in your soul
The true essentials are within oneself.
And you can do this, oh baby, if you try
Encouragement that being simple is achievable with effort.
All that I want for you, my son, is to be satisfied"
Desire for the son's satisfaction in life.
"And be a simple kind of man
Reiteration of the advice to be a simple person.
Oh, be something you love and understand
Suggests pursuing what one loves and understands.
Baby be a simple kind of man
Continued emphasis on being a simple person.
Oh, won't you do this for me, son, if you can"
Request for the son to follow this advice if possible.
Oh yes, I will
A positive affirmation from the speaker.
"Boy, don't you worry, you'll find yourself
Assurance that the son will find his true self.
Follow your heart and nothing else
Encouragement to follow one's heart above all.
And you can do this, oh baby, if you try
Reiteration that simplicity is achievable with effort.
All that I want for you, my son, is to be satisfied"
Desire for the son's satisfaction in life.
"And be a simple kind of man
Reiteration of the advice to be a simple person.
Oh, be something you love and understand
Suggests pursuing what one loves and understands.
Baby be a simple kind of man
Continued emphasis on being a simple person.
Oh, won't you do this for me, son, if you can"
Request for the son to follow this advice if possible.
Baby, be a simple, really simple man
Specific emphasis on being a truly simple person.
Oh, be something you love and understand
Reiteration to pursue what one loves and understands.
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