WHAT A POWERFUL MESSAGE!!! | Lynyrd Skynyrd - "Simple Man" | FIRST TIME REACTION

[@chrisbrimhall1613]

This band is one of those very rare bands that had no bad songs on their albums….some were good…some were great…..some were like this one….a song all song writers wished they had written

[@larrywright3132]

Such a beautiful song, a mother telling her son how to live a good life.

[@alfredscott3149]

This song reminds me of what my mom would tell me. I miss her so much but I know she’s looking down on me. “Love and miss you mom”❤️👆🏽

[@vinnypaolini9116]

I never knew my mother, I used to pretend it was her singing me these lyrics when I was down. A truly beautiful song.

[@Hambie76]

Yeah. 😢

[@davidward6711]

The band members grew up together, and everyone's mom was everyone's mom. This song was written when one of the band members mom and another members grandmother died a week from one another. This is their tribute to their moms and grandmothers.

[@Cadinho93]

The older I get the more emotional I get hearing the classic songs. If you don't get goosebumps or tear up once in a while, you are listening to the wrong music. Also, these lyrics are words to live by.

[@ItsMeBliz]

100% agree, this song always hits me in the feels and also helps me to realign myself in remembering what actually matters in life. Modern commercialism makes people materialistic and it's easy to get trapped on that huge hamster wheel thinking we have to work harder to make more money to buy things we don't actually need. "Forget your lust for the rich man's gold, all that you need is in your soul". I've started going for walks when I'm off work really early in a morning and that moment when you are stood there in beautiful surroundings, watching the sun come up in complete silence, you just feel free.. money can't buy that feeling of absolute inner peace.

[@alexkoronec4326]

So true but you should listen to early Chicago with Peter cetera

[@Thom1212]

This and also "All I Can Do is Write About It" Love 'em both.

[@idolo2009]

i know what you mean that so true.

[@yuliann69]

@@alexkoronec4326 Oh I have. I actually have Chicago on my Pandora on the way to work!

[@derekdecker555]

The original Lynyrd Skynyrd lineup was magic. No bad songs, just banger after banger.

[@sunking2001]

As a huge LS fan...you are absolutely correct. All their songs were quality!

[@ZackHamlin1]

The best guitar band ever

[@SpenceJS87]

Before they starting pandering to right wingers.

[@lastmanstanding1767]

They just knew the crowd that was worth a damn, and the left like today are just a little bit TARD. 🤓

[@rayvanhorn1534]

My absolute favorite song by Skynyrd. As a man of faith, who grew up in the South, this speaks volumes. Thank you for doing this one.

[@jonathanramos8414]

You don't even have to be from the south to appreciate skynyrd

[@BareThomas84]

I lost my mom to cancer when I was 11 (27 yrs ago). We never got to have this kind of talk. This song hits me hard. I don't know how well I live up to these words, and I struggle with many things in life. But I know she is looking down from heaven, and I hope I make her proud. ❤ Love you, Aileen. Great reaction.

[@cymro6537]

🙏❤️

[@johnbumgardner7977]

Skynyrd wrote songs about real life they were a great band ❤️

[@arnodobler1096]

❤

[@onionhead5780]

Sounds like you’ve got a good heart. Just try to be a good person and treat others like you’d want to be treated and you’ll have no regrets young man. Especially when you’re old and look back on your life. 👊

[@GreyDabbler]

That is so beautiful. I have no doubt that you make her proud.

[@irrgamer]

"Simple Man" is just an awesome song. if you want to continue this mellow beautiful journey with Lynyrd Skynyrd, go with "Tuesday's Gone", which is personally one of my favorite. continue to be awesome :)

[@rkr7372]

Im fortunate to be old enough to see this band on four different occasions before the plane crash, Ronnie was one of the most gracious people you’d ever meet, he made sure everyone who wanted a autograph got one.

[@chrisj62489]

The world was robbed by that plane crash. Wish i could’ve seen them live in concert.

[@rdmez1]

50 years later, Simple Man is STILL my all time favorite song!!!

[@PastaDon_]

🥺.. Sorry Aileen, no more videos for now.. gotta go call mama now!!

[@JoshSmith-vj3yb]

I danced with my mom on my wedding day to this song bc ever since I was little she said this was my song. I LOVE this song

[@Krow-go3ps]

That's beautiful

[@curiousman1672]

According to Skynryd lore, this song was inspired by Ronnie and Gary's moms. A lovely and true message.

[@michaelingram3886]

I believe it was actually Ed

[@travisbeckner6849]

"The Ballad of Curtis Loew" is a must for you to hear, every instrument sings on that one

[@kbm52857]

Ed King was playing bass on this album . A very underrated musician

[@user-clayrush]

Right on brother! I've gotten into so many arguments about Ed playing bass on this & 99% of the time I get "look at the credits on the album, it's Leon"

[@lisayoung9920]

Leon needed a regular paying job, so he left the band and was working in an ice cream warehouse. Ronnie called Ed King, and he played bass for this album. They convinced Leon to rejoin. Shot photos all over Atlanta and this cover in Jonesboro. Ed King became their third guitar.​@user-clayrush

[@user-clayrush]

@@lisayoung9920 yes I am well aware of all of this. I took am a hard core Skynyrd fan

[@benniemartin78]

One of my all-time favorite songs. Skynyrd had some really powerful lyrics that blended so well with their southern rock style. Check out Ballad of Curtis Loew, That Smell, Tuesday’s Gone or Gimmie Three Steps. Pretty sure you’ve already heard Sweet Home Alabama :D

[@stevedahlberg8680]

Yes to all of those!

[@ItsMeBliz]

Also Mr Banker

[@chadtetrault1386]

Curtis Lowe is f'n amazing

[@folthorn]

Can't forget "Gimme back my bullets".

[@miles1264]

His vocals are so powerful

[@clifton8929]

Good Old Boys from Florida know to listen to Mama. Every good mama struggle, and worry about their children, they just don’t give up.

[@snailracer3773]

Arguably, their 3rd best song. Shynyrd's producer, Al Cooper told the band he needed one more song to finish their 1st album. So, they picked "Simple Man" and played it for Al. He did not like it and so much that he did not even want them to record it. Ronnie told Al to get in his car and leave and he would give him a call when they finished recording it.

[@Arkryal]

What hits me about this song more than anything else... these are the lyrics of a man in his 20s. Ronnie Van Zant wrote this when he was 24 years old. There's a wisdom to it that is very uncommon for someone that age.

[@stmn346]

“Oh, take your time, don’t live too fast Troubles will come and they will pass You’ll find a Woman, and you’ll find love And don’t forget son there is someone up above “ Probably some of the greatest lyrics to a song ever !! It’s almost a poem…

[@WhizzingFish12]

One of the greatest debut albums in rock history. Pronounced has Simple Man, Freebird, Tuesdays Gone, Gimme Three Steps, I Aint the One... And they did this when they were all barely 20 years old. Such an amazingly talented band - to me, up with the Allmans and CCR as the greatest bands in American history.

[@tommyc6066]

Their song The Breeze will blow you away. The guitar solos & piano solo is amazing.

[@Evocati2008]

awesome reaction, "Tuesday's Gone" live at Winterfest in 1976 is a must. Trust me. As for this song, the bass line is just insane.

[@jamiemacdonald436]

Hi Aileen. I've missed seeing you and your reaction videos. I hope all is well and you are on a break. Can't wait to see you return! 🥰

[@JPR0171]

Not that you need my approval, but your analysis of this classic is spot-freaking-on. From the instruments, to the emotions provoked; just a great interpretation.

[@tekohawihongi5050]

Many don't realize how profoundly influencial a mothers words are to her son. Especially after they've gone. My last conversation with the mother had a ring to it similar to this masterpiece

[@rogercoles3973]

Funny story about that album cover. the photographer took many pictures of that shot. According to Ed King the guy that is standing in front of the lightning bolt when the photographer caught that lightning bolt he ended the pictures and Gary Rossington just happened to throw up on the sidewalk immediately after that

[@Bluesman57]

The best line from this song "Forget your lust for the rich mans gold all that you need is in your soul".

[@jasonstewart8624]

Great song many nights having a drink to this song, raised by a single mother , lyrics real struck a chord for me❤

[@jasonlaviolette2964]

Painting a picture in your head, without having to see a music video or live performance. Throughout the '60s '70s and into the '80s, this is what music was, for the most part. I was born in 1976, and grew up listening to Zeppelin, the Stones, Skynard, and The Boss on my dad's reel to reel, 8-tracks, vinyl, and the radio, and then cassettes and CDs. I was five when MTV debuted, and I watched the Buggles when it first hit the airwaves. Don't get me wrong, I love seeing live performances and watched A LOT of MTV when they still played music videos, but this is what music still is to me. In the car, out at a bar, alone with my eyes closed, just letting the music soak into my soul and the lyrics take my brain and emotions on a ride.

[@BarrenCosmos]

This was my first song by them too and now I get to see you react to the song same song!! What a great song to come back with, feels so nice seeing you pop up again 😭 Gonna be such a great react too ❤️

[@Gutslinger]

I highly HIGHLY recommend "Tuesday's Gone" by Lynyrd Skynyrd. It's possibly my favorite song from them. The instrumentation is just so damn good. It's a vibe.

[@vicprovost2561]

Great song! It is a message that never grows old and they play were passion and purpose. Great song and album! Enjoy! 🎵🎸🎤🎸🎶

[@leannlaplante3643]

The most meaningful compliment I had ever been given was by my 17 year old son. As this song played, he looked at me and said that this song was exactly what I had said to him. He was about to head to boot camp in a few months. Our country was at war. I dug deep and gave this exact advice. That was many years ago now. He still serves with the USMC. I'm grateful he heard what I said. Still believe it to be true. Thank you for sharing your reaction. Love that you Key into the emotion of music and lyrics.

[@famijher]

This is my favorite song by Lynyrd Skynyrd. The story that I heard of how this song came together is also great. Some songs take awhile to be made. This one was put together by four members of the band one night in a half an hour from advice they got from their grandmothers.

[@talanbrown6941]

This song was written shortly after a band members mother and coincidentally another's grandmother had recently passed away. As if they were words from the other side.

[@johnflores5286]

Hunny, your reactions are so good. Im glad you are enjoying the journey. Don't stop.

[@BlackRangerMode86]

Had a friend with a band at s talent show back in the day in 2002 and i borrowed them and sang this song and won the talent show

[@michaelallen3894]

Definitely my favorite Skynyrd song

[@CanadianRightsReviews]

Great classic song. Now you need to do the Shinedown cover.

[@freebirdtony]

Beautiful reaction. There are just so many phenomenal songs by Lynyrd Skynyrd, here's a recommendation, "Gimme Three Steps," it recounts an actual incident that Ronnie Van Zant experienced when he was 18.

[@artsilva]

Actually the lyrics are pretty straight forward; It's a mother having a conversation with her son teaching him to be a good, a loving and a simple man.

[@donsavignano4396]

Lynyrd Skynyrd is one of my favorite southern rock bands. Dontcha just love those heavy chords. Skynyrd nation forever. It's a shame that all of the original members are gone. R.I.P.🙏

[@stevedahlberg8680]

The thoroughly enjoyable reaction and being a musician myself, I always love your insights and the things that you notice. And that thing about bringing back the classic fade out, that put a smile on my face. I wouldn't want every song to end that way but there are just so so many famous ones. And you are probably aware, but typically what makes a really iconic Fade Out work, is it as it fades you start to hear the relative presence of different instruments slightly differently than you did throughout the song and it really drives home what's going on and another great Hallmark of a classic Fade Out is where they're just really going off at the end, I don't care if it's a guitar solo or vocal improvs or just the whole thing. You put those two factors together and it's so powerful.

[@robertlenzo3303]

Danced to this song with my Mom at my wedding 🙌

[@nathansellers8454]

Just love this song, it’s in my top 20 greatest songs of all time.. I just love your reactions Aileen

[@Undisputed_83]

My favorite song of all time with the best meaning and message. Also the very first song I learned note for note on guitar so it’s very special to me ❤

[@patbailey8966]

One of my favorites speaks to the way we so often overlook the simple things which are greater blessings than we realize

[@ItsMeBliz]

YES FINALLY!!!!!!! I've requested this song in the comments section of every single video I've watched on here, for months!! Thank you for reviewing my favourite song. You touched on good points about making life more complicated than it has to be, what it also mentions though which is huge is to "forget your lust for the rich man's gold". People are brainwashed by commercialism these days and have become materialistic thinking possessions bring happiness. Wrongly we feel that our happiness is solely hinged on these possessions totally missing out on what's already around us/in our lives. He says "all that you need is in your soul", money doesn't buy happiness, look for the simple pleasures in life that doesn't cost a thing, and learn to accept who you are as a person, rather than always chasing a false dream (greed).

[@beckybarnes4651]

Classic rock, had it all - the perfect amalgamation of instruments, vocals and lyrics. Wish it was still the mainstream.

[@shortytari]

And the thing of it is it’s all pure music from those instruments. It didn’t have the luxury of being enhanced or smoothed out by a computer. In my opinion a lot of the bands back then were far more talented and skilled than those of today. Don’t get me wrong todays musicians have talent and work hard , but I just think like alot of things the older ways took more skill. It’s really amazing what they did with what they had.

[@eldritchshiner]

I love your reactions so much.

[@TheTorne81]

Great reaction, so funny your super speed talk vs Lynyrd Skynyrd draw! love it!

[@PaulThoresen]

Skynyrd songs to check out: Saturday night special, Gimme three steps, On the Hunt, give me back my bullets, Workin for the MCA (live).... ETC.

[@aaronb.4830]

This song always hits me in right in the gut and soul. My mom raised us 3 boys by herself. Always makes me appreciate the sacrifice she made for us. I'm glad we had a lot of upstanding God-fearing male military figures and good fathers in our extended family to show us the right path. 🙏🏼❤

[@davidgrant8832]

Imagine a time and space before cell phones, Internet, social media, personal computers, instant communication, indeed, on demand 'reaction.' Imagine you are 15 years old, you have worked for weeks throwing newspapers (when we had newspapers) in order to save up 10 dollars to buy this album. Imagine yourself bringing this ancient form of recording technology home and using your quite primitive sound system to play and enjoy the music therein gifted to you by God through the talents of the band you didn't know even existed before that very day. Imagine your teenage heart and soul being lifted to the heavens by the beauty and heavenly revelations of the music. Imagine yourself (having heard the inspiring music) calling your friends via rotary dial telephone to get together and share the wonder of said music. Imagine yourself physically taking the album to your friends house in order to share (for there was no other way.) Only then can you truly appreciate and share with others. Young lady, I am truly moved by your reactions to Free Bird and Simple Man. It closely mirrors my reaction some 45 years or so ago. Your reaction brought tears to my eyes. Truly! Because you now feel what I felt so many decades ago in a very different world. I know, that you know, that the timeless miracle of Lynard Skynard and Ronnie Van Zant is still alive and well in the world today! Thank you very much my friend! I am now a fan of yours forever 😊!

[@Ray_Morris]

This has always been my favorite Skynyrd song. Since losing my mother in 2013, every time I hear this song it's like I can hear her giving me this advice. That bass line will tickle your soul on a quality sound system.

[@randycalkins5445]

Love this band one song that always cheers me up is " Double Trouble"

[@zackerydempsey1280]

Lost my mother about a week ago tomorrow. She was a very complicated woman but regardless of the mixed feelings, this song is hitting me like a dump truck right now

[@membysteph64]

This song is my all time favorite. My father loved Skynyrd. This was played at his funeral. I always breakdown when I hear this song. Thank you for listening to this phenomenal song by a phenomenal band. Love what you are doing keep up the great work❤

[@thereckoning5488]

This is hands down my all-time favorite song. My mother played this for me hesn i was little and I live it every dsy.

[@randomhockeyguy9149]

You should check out Shinedown's version of this song. Hard to say it's "better" than the original, but the voice and sustain of Brent Smith's vocals on the Shinedown version is so powerful.

[@KupalaSvarogovich]

👍👍👍🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻

[@willl84]

Came to say the same thing

[@AJ........]

I'm guessing she knows that one already

[@willl84]

@@AJ........ Why?

[@234i9]

No.

[@slayerrules70]

That song brings me to tears every time. Great tune and lyrics!!!! Much love Aileen and chat!!!!

[@johnlefebvre862]

My mother dedicated this to me before she died 😢. But im happy to see someone found enjoyment in this spng as do I.

[@scottstyles1986]

sorry for your loss 🙏🏻

[@bloppysloppy4057]

Another hearty Skynyrd song is "The Ballad of Curtis Loew" and fun party Skynyrd songs are "Call Me The Breeze" and "Gimmee Three Steps". Message songs are "That Smell" and "Saturday Night Special".

[@randallmccoy8581]

The brilliance of Ronnie's lyrics is in their simplicity and their simplicity is brilliant. That was Ronnie Van Zant. This song has rung true across time because it's message is eternal.

[@carolberkowitz8551]

I don't think it's any coincidence that within an hour of my son being released from a California state prison today I turned on KZbin and this was the first video suggested to me. This song was his and my song for all of his growing up years. Thank you so much❤

[@DizzyD850]

Leon Wilkeson is a criminally underrated bass player....once you hear more of their stuff, Leon can lay down a groove

[@lisayoung9920]

This is Ed King

[@SaxonsGlory]

That's the same reaction I had the first time I heard that song so many years back and now, at 66 years old, still get that same feeling.... and still feel every time we cover it in our band. There are times I struggle with the vocals as it really hits home so hard when I think of my own two children. His mother was a very wise lady. Just as mine was too.

[@MrTech226]

Aileen My friend's sister and I went to Lynyrd Skynyrd and ZZTop concert back in July. Late singer, Ronnie Van Zant's younger brother, Johnnie continues the tradition of LS. Early this year, LS lost last member of the original lineup, Gary Rossington. During Simple Man, Johnnie placed his older brother, Ronnie's Iconic Hat on the mic stand. Johnnie sings with his brother on this song. Behind of the drum set, video screen showing photos of all original members including Gary Rossington as tribute to them .

[@stevedahlberg8680]

Definitely check out The Ballad Of Curtis loew. But I will say that Lynyrd Skynyrd is one of those very few bands, and believe me I like a lot of bands from different eras and from around the world, but Lynyrd skynyrd, like Creedence Clearwater revival, is one of those where I literally like every single song on every single album. It's like a never-ending collection of gems. Well, until the plane crash which happened when I was in 10th Grade and a lot of us were devastated.

[@boomer8201]

Beautiful song from Skynyrd Shinedown covers this and it's amazing. It hits even harder the way Brent Smith delivers vocsls will give you chills, I promise. I'd post a link but I'm sure you can find it

[@1960rlv]

That was a fantastic review. Your description of music as interpretive was excellent.

[@twocoolgamer16]

One of my personal favorite songs of all time. When life is getting my down and my super stressed out this song brings me back

[@politicalfoolishness7491]

When I was young and doing runs of approximately 8 miles in a big city, I had my little Sony FM Walkman on my arm and would tune into a favorite rock station. When Lynyrd Skynyrd's Freebird song would come on, I was running in a blissful trance flying through the run perhaps 30 seconds quicker per mile - somewhere around 48 minutes for 8 miles.

[@zarkopetrovic7472]

Thank you for this Aileen! ♥️🖤♠️

[@CarlosMartinez-li8ev]

The Band Shinedown payed tribute with a awesome cover of this song. Maybe you wanna check it out love both versions!!

[@cherylmontgomery9753]

I have two grown sons. Grew up listening to this group. This was always my favorite song that they did. Tuesday's gone is also another good one. I like to think that I brought up my two sons with the meanings in this song. By the way they're both great guys. There's so much truth to this song.

[@Tuesdays_Gone]

Skynyrd was one of the best. Yes, it is such a beautiful song. This band has SO many hits; you’re just beginning to scratch the surface with these guys.

[@BruceEssig-u6x]

Mesmerizing, the group did a Sorcerers of Ancient Mexico power movement by locking themselves in a house for six months. Infusing the music in their hearts onto one another's souls. And then they fell from the sky to energetically explore the cosmos into infinity.

[@amoco14]

Grew up listening to Lynyrd Skynyrd and this is one of my favorites, I remember the day of the plane crash, Was a very sad day indeed. Long live Southern Rock.

[@everguzman3242]

Awesome song, one of my favorites. 👏👍😎

[@joeldavis6133]

Thank you so much for loving the music that I grew up with, you're the best ❤

[@sunking2001]

I'm a huge LS fan...this tune is a heart grabbing masterpiece. I first saw them open for The Who in 1973 at the Cow Palace near San Francisco...nobody had ever heard of them before! They tore the roof off of the Cow Palace...especially when their encore was Free Bird!!! Look it up...this concert is famous because Keith Moon (The Who) fell off his stool twice and had to be dragged off the stage. This was the show where Pete Townsend got some guy from the audience to play drums for the remaining 3 songs. That video is right here on YT. I've seen Lynyrd Skynyrd 3 more times after that show.

[@lykin005]

My late Father told me about how he had made a mixtape of this song and Freebird, he sent it to his abusive Mother before he left. I love youso much Dad! Thank you for reacting to this and reminding me of a good memory!

[@twolow2see]

One of my all-time favorite songs is Simple Man. It holds a special place in my heart, evoking both happy and sad memories. The Shinedown version also captivates me.

[@RoryBauer-xu2fj]

A father's simple wisdom to his Son. A love for his Son, declaring him how to live and lead a simple kind of man 5hat is worthy of being. Hopes, guiding simplicity to live and be 5he kind of man to live and understand

[@TYoungPhDRRT]

Aileen...always appreciate your perspective. You truly are a lover of all music.

[@wingandhog]

Saw Lynyrd Skynyrd two years ago in Scottsdale. Closing act after a week at Arizona Bike Week. They’re great as usual.

[@pressman1788]

You never talk too much. Always love hearing all your thoughts and opinions during these great reactions.❤️

[@markklumpp5571]

My absolute favorite song ever. I Have played this over and over for my two sons and have instilled these values in them.

[@nickavino7293]

This was my uncles favorite song, he was murdered a few years ago. All 6 of his kids live by this song and they’re exactly what any father would want their children to be

[@beauyo1293]

My Uncle Jaime just passed a week before Christmas 2023. We come from a family of musicians. His mother was on her deathbed, and she played and sang this song, with whatever strength she had left, to all of my uncle’s and aunt. We took Uncle Jaime to see them at Cynthia Woods pavilion here in the Houston area. They played several years back, the weekend of Mother’s Day. I’d never seen him cry before that night. Now, I hear this song and that memory comes back swiftly. I’ll be singing this song while my brother plays the guitar at our celebration of Uncle Jaime’s life this coming weekend. I just pray for the strength to get through the song without breaking down.

[@beauyo1293]

@TeIeGramme.Aileensenpai2 fuck off scammer

[@MichaelKelly-eg6jo]

I remember growing up with this in the background as my older brother would play it continuously on the turntable back in the mid-70's. What stuck out most was the blend of rock guitar and orchestration. Same with Led Zeppelin. Wait til you get to Tuesday's Gone. Orchestral overload!

[@happymethehappyone8300]

"As we travel the path of life,, It is the wise who embrace the wisdom of the elders,, For they hold riches beyond compare." Navajo/Bil Hozhoni (The Happy One)

[@RobertCarriker-ov4tc]

I don’t know if you’ve done this one yet or not, that smell is a great song. It’s about Gary Rossington the guitar player does a slide guitar. I would say it’s probably the first ant drug song it’s ever been out. Gary Rossington was known as Prince charming.

[@RoryBauer-xu2fj]

Our band use to tune up while playing this song....love it. Brings fond memories. Lyrics speak for the blue collar man

[@debrapugh6799]

I grew up to this SONG... I have 2 SON'S AND I made sure to teach them this... SIMPLE✌❤💙🤘

[@chirso2460]

Shinedown has an amazing cover of this!

[@williamadams4843]

Don't ask no Question, Tuesday's Gone are two others you have to check out. Lots of great sonhs from this band