Lyrics of and My Thoughts on "Simple Man"

(comments in italics)

A very heartwarming ballad of a mother giving advice to her son.  Is it based on actual events?  All we know is that Ronnie wrote it in the shower.  Opening guitar arpeggios, then Ronnie:

Mama told me,
When I was young
Come sit beside me,
My only son.
And listen closely
To what I say.
And if you do this, it'll help you
some sunny day.


Heavy guitar chords, then Ronnie continues:

Oh take your time
Don't live too fast.
Troubles will come,
And they will pass.
You'll find a women,
And you'll find love
And don't forget, son,
There is somone up above.

Chorus:
Oh be a simple kind of man,   Listen to him wail on "simple'!
Oh be something you'll love and understand
Baby be a simple kind of man,
Oh won't you do this for me son if you can.

Guitar arpeggios, then the third verse:

Forget your lust
For the rich man's gold.
All that you need
Is in your soul.
And you can do this, oh baby, if you try,
All that I want for you, my son, is to be satisfied.

Chorus

Heavy guitar chords and a solo, then the fourth verse:

Oh don't you worry,
You'll find yourself
Follow your heart
And nothing else
And you can do this, oh baby, if you try,
All that I want for you, my son, is to be satisfied.

Chorus twice, fades