Back to "Simple Man" by Lynyrd Skynyrd. I finally dig in deep and analyze this classic!

[@TheCharismaticVoice]

Setting this premiere a bit early (38 hours ahead of schedule) as we're about to leave to California. Won't be able to schedule the premiere tomorrow! See y'all Monday!

[@AclockworkPurple]

Have fun! Beach, desert, mountains or the trifecta?

[@edwardleonetti2492]

Now you gon an dunnit down the Lynyrd Skynyrd rabbit hole 🕳️ you must go sooo many beautiful songs and git down southern rock hittas you must hear LAWWD girl let's do this have a great time in Cali be safe and have some fun

[@WheelsOfDeath]

Have a great trip!

[@jamesHadden-l6l]

we love watching you have fun with your expressions

[@Dawn54811]

Hope you have fun on your trip! Great reaction. Lynyrd Skynyrd is one of my favorite bands.

[@brandonzumbie]

This was my great uncle’s favorite song. When i first started learning guitar, he asked me to learn this. I went over to his house and played it for him, and needless to say he was so pleased. Fast forward to last November, he is on his death bed and they ask me to play it for him one last time. The pure emotion was something that cannot be recreated. Everybody was crying, knowing he was leaving us. The lyrics of the song bring so many emotions and feelings This song brings so many memories i’d love to relive

[@calrowles9790]

Sorry for your loss. It was a beautiful story

[@ToddSauve]

Your great uncle has not left you forever. There is a resurrection and you will see him again. 😄

[@brandonzumbie]

@@ToddSauve amen, God bless

[@TheScamper44]

my condolences … I’ve personally lost 7 close friends, just this yr.; 4 of my classmates, 3 from other grades, over, and under mine. all buddies. it’s a fact of life that u dread, but can’t skip. ours is comin up, most likely sooner than later. just hope to meet them all on the other side. only 8 of us left from my Sr. classmates, buddies. we all played football together, and did most everything else as a crew, before and after graduation… and yes, songs that we jammed to every day back then, bring back lots of memories. those memories are great to recollect, but also tough to remember. I suggest u keep those memories of u’r uncle close, and remember him often.

[@christophersims7060]

😢😢😢😢😢❤

[@tommack9395]

Ronnie Van Zant was an unpretentious man who had a lot of wisdom, common sense and a lot of self-confidence. While many rock bands were singing about sex, drugs and rock 'n roll as fun he placed that and every topic in his lyrics into naturally thought-out, truthful, and caring perspectives. He did not have a wide range, what he had was more honest and sincere than most. Ronnie Van Zant was foremost a Simple Man.

[@lantose]

Ronnie was also a demanding band leader as they would practice in their small rural studio for hours on end until Ronnie was satisfied! Skynyrd’s musicianship was phenomenal and quite perfect!

[@notablindliberal896]

​@@lantoseYep, they called it The Hell House. Ronnie was driven, and the band were trying make this something great and they succeeded. We all got robbed in the end.

[@lantose]

@@notablindliberal896 that was a bad day along with SRV! I saw Skynyrd in ‘75 all original except for Artimus Pyle! I guess it was ‘76 when Steve and Cassie joined, though never got to see them other than the #1 outdoor concert on KZbin in Oakland playing Freebird! They both grew up in Miami, OK about an hours drive from Tulsa where I live and there is a memorial in town. Saw them an additional seven times and they were all great. Saw Rossington/Collins on their last concert on 9-19-1980 when Allen just found out his wife Kathy miscarried and died; he was so drunk they wouldn’t let him play the Freebird solo! To this day I don’t know why they didn’t stop the concert for Allen’s sake! Got to see the Atimus Pyle Band in Dallas around ‘97 and it was awesome! Have a great day!

[@notablindliberal896]

@lantose Yeah, I think Cassie joined in late 75 and then Steve in May 76. I still believe Steve was the last piece of the puzzle, no knock on Ed King, but i think they were on their way, and yes, SRV was a hard one to take. That man is an absolute legend guitarist. RIP to all the great ones gone way too early.

[@sapinva]

He was also just as tough and hardworking as they come, an overachiever by force of will.

[@green_ban]

"I want my music to sound human." Truer words have rarely been spoken.

[@ateamfan42]

Yes. Ironically, the tiny flaws and imperfections are what make it perfect.

[@catedoge3206]

yuh

[@Azznbad]

​@ateamfan42 kind of like when they left in the Turn it up, in Sweet home.

[@SeanCC]

The enemy of interesting is perfection

[@Music-Is-Real-Love]

100%.

[@joiedevivre2005]

As a Southern girl, I've always loved this song. But it took on even more meaning when I became the mother of a son myself.

[@Black_Cat.666...01]

Eu tenho quatro filhos e concordo💕💕💕💕💕

[@phantomf4747]

I have been a dedicated fan of Lynyrd Skynyrd since 1974. When you mention that Ronnie's not exactly on pitch every time, it reminds me of why today's music is so fleeting and has no longevity. Here we are 50 years later listening to an imperfect pitch because the music and vocal have a soul. I have always noted is that music that is relevant 50 years later is a sign of creativity that conveyed its message as it was intended. All the members are gone now. They gave us a gift that we can replay in our cars, minds, tv's and computers and never let it die. We fully intend to keep it alive. RIP to all of our boys and girls from Jacksonville. Heaven is rocking harder than ever with you all there and together again. #lynyrdskynyrd #southernrock #freebird

[@jerryfrentress4107]

A little love for Artimus in his golden years...

[@phlegmbeck9224]

Skynyrd has always amazed me in how all 3 guitarists blended together so well. They always found their place in each song, made really smart decisions on how to accompany each other, and never stepped on each other’s toes. All were so skilled and yet disciplined enough to check their egos. Hard thing to do.

[@walter2990]

They really practiced their arses off, is how they always had such good blended harmony with their guitars.

[@jimb5045]

The Outlaws had multiple guitar players , the song Green Grass and High Tides has a long guitar segment.

[@walter2990]

@jimb5045 Fun fact: In 1970 ish, my older brother was a member and was a the "roadie" for the Outlaws, before they were the Outlaws when they were just a cover band in Tampa. We had a 1980 VW micro bus, and I helped my brother fir & arrange the instruments (mostly the drums) into the VW. My brother figured out that the band only wanted him for the "roadie" issues that he provided and he left the band. He played a very wicked trumpet, so it didn't blend with the band's desire to go forward with Southern rock. What could have been...

[@dwightvoeks9970]

Great point.

[@phlegmbeck9224]

@@walter2990 And Ronnie had high demands. He was no doubt a big part of keeping everyone in their lanes.

[@alexthechevyguy4213]

My grandfather was never a big fan of "Rock Music", but he made an exception for this one. He always brought this song up anytime music was being discussed. He passed away shortly after his 81st birthday in 2020, and when we left the graveyard and we first got back into our vehicle, this song came on the radio. Everyone in the car had eyes as big as a silver dollar. Every time I hear this song, I think of him, and that moment.

[@JeffOfTheMountains]

She's gotta check out "The Ballad of Curtis Loew" next. GREAT song about an old blues musician.

[@jeffreyflint6286]

Absolutely brother!!!!!!!!!

[@Joseph-w9b6h]

I agree that is an excellent song for her to analyze

[@keithdean9149]

She also needs to listen to some other Southern Rock Bands, 38 Special or Molly Hatchet, maybe the Allman Brothers.

[@reauxnbears]

One of my favorites

[@Suddsy.]

That is my favorite from these boys

[@firedoc5]

This song can make the toughest southern man break into tears. Regardless of how big they are, they listen to their mamas and remember their words of wisdom from childhood. Skynyrd was a more diverse band than many people give them credit for. They tend to remember the hard rockin' power songs, but this is one of their greatest songs that is just as powerful. Please check out their best underrated song, "Comin' Home".

[@MonkeyJedi99]

It finally hit me. This band is kind of a combination of rock, country and the talking blues

[@firedoc5]

@@MonkeyJedi99 Pretty much what southern rock is.

[@bobbolondz2701]

It's like Forrest Gump and his: "Mama always said..."

[@JonInTexas-88]

Thinking of my mom's advice will do it everytime.

[@Mark27472]

Great call. "Comin' Home" is an underrated classic. "Am I Losin" is another.

[@BogeyCDogRosey]

My mom passed in 98 when I was 25. Every time I hear this song, I swear I hear her voice just saying those same, simple lessons. Be content. Find joy over happiness. Love is better than gold. It always feels a little bereft, and deeply comforting.

[@surpriseitsus9622]

Hugs from a mom 🌌

[@paulbeagarie1976]

Tuesdays gone is what are my favourite songs by Lynyrd skynyrd

[@joelronningen9930]

Absolutely!

[@user-neo71665]

If you from the south ya momma and your grannys (if lucky enough to have both) set your life. I was lucky enough to remember 2 of my great grandmothers and 3 of my great great fathers.

[@MichaelLynch1]

Tuesday Gone is Stunning 👌

[@AcornDomainsCancelled]

100% right on! 😊 ❤

[@Sasquatch10]

Tuesdays gone was my introduction to Lynyrd Skynyrd, through guitar hero.

[@davidmurfin4951]

The opening lines of "That Smell " are my favorite. Rock and roll haiku. "Whiskey bottle,brand new car,oak tree you're in my way..." Sets the scene and mood perfectly ❤

[@TheStonedstone]

Love it. But even more " Double trouble"

[@randallpetersen9164]

And even more so, as it was based on stuff happening in the band's lives; felt like death might come callin' soon.

[@spazzyklutz75]

Pretty certain that line was about Gary Rossington.

[@spike3082]

Sure was because shortly before That Smell was written Gary Rossington hit an oak tree with his brand new Ford Torino after partying Ronnie wrote That Smell as a wake up call for the band

[@mrt0ab]

I humbly request: The Ballad of Curtis Loew

[@samsulummasamsulumma6898]

When it comes to power ballads, it doesn't get better than this.

[@user-neo71665]

I agree unless you are a musician. freebird is a hell a song but if you play music you get sick of it and stairway to heaven. Mainly freebird is you from the south.

[@markvanderstelt8999]

thanks

[@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.

[@blakerbnsn]

Well said and I agree with every word.

[@jamesleyda365]

Me too, absolutely!

[@tonyk438]

And when you have a son you reflect on your own life. Its the hope that your son will do better than you have. Its a mixture of remorse, hope, and happiness. The plane crash happened just as I found out about their music. I'm kind of old and this song digs up more emotions every year. I like the Muscle Shoals recording of this song too. It is different. This one is better. It has more emotion in my opinion.

[@arjanarendsen5414]

You are so right! Thanks for the comment.

[@karenmcdermott8585]

This song is often chosen as themusuc for the mother/son dance at weddings in USA

[@jamesjohnson8601]

An often overlooked Skynard song is "All I can do is write it in a song" about enjoying family and nature before "progress" covers it all in concrete. Very heartfelt song as this one is

[@afishcalledminnewawa]

one of my favorites.

[@shaunmcmackin1829]

It's a great song and unfortunately prohettically very true ,

[@adamprice3466]

Am I Losin, about Ed King leaving the band and losing their friendship.

[@perrystanley2088]

One of my favourite songs by this band. Every time I try to sing along with this song my voice breaks up with emotion and tears start to flow. I love the song every time I hear it and want everyone I know to listen to Simple Man.

[@hasletjoe5984]

Recall, this was released 50 years ago (1974) and is so well done....Even by today's standards. I like the deliberate pace of Skynyrd operates at. Truly a fantastic group. Thank you, made my day!

[@WalkerStalker]

Interesting fact about this song: the producer Al Kooper, at the time, did not like this song and didn’t want it on the album. After sometime of arguing about it, Ronnie Van Zant escorted Kooper out of the studio and to his car. He told him to take a couple of days off until they finish the song. Kooper ended up playing the organ on the song and admitted he was wrong.

[@jammin_J64]

Indeed. Ronnie said to him, "we'll let you know when it's finished". That's something that not only took guts, but it's something that would never happen in today's industry. Too much control from the labels over the artists.

[@jamesedwards1806]

Those of us (men) near the end of our run have always longed for these things mentioned in this song. The lucky ones, hats off & a salute to you! 👍👴🦸‍♀️🎶🇺🇸🦅

[@McLeod2022]

100% metastatic cancer is going to take me unless I outrun it. I have a motorcycle and a road to run.

[@Nanashi_MYOB]

This song always hits my feels. My great-grandmother used to tell me pretty much this. She said, "Aim for simple happiness, and you'll find the joy of living."

[@avoncalling7886]

Money itself is not evil, but the LOVE of money is where the problem begins.

[@christophertaylor9100]

Correct, the actual Biblical quote is "the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil"

[@randallpetersen9164]

Money is necessary for us all to work together. Accumulating money for no other reason than to do so should be criminal, but generally isn't.

[@avoncalling7886]

@@randallpetersen9164 - I agree. And there’s nothing wrong with using money to earn and buy what we need. It’s when we always want more, i.e. bigger, better, faster, that our hearts turn from one another to “stuff”.

[@pulsarlights2825]

Greed is one of the Seven Deadly Sins, but people seem to always forget that so is Envy, why?

[@christophertaylor9100]

@@pulsarlights2825 So is rage

[@Ooofaa-Maa]

Allman Brothers...Whipping Post. Marshall Tucker Band...Cant you See ❤❤

[@samsulummasamsulumma6898]

Whipping post, hell yeah 👍👍👍

[@TheStonedstone]

One way out, Hot Lanta, Midnight Rider...

[@christophertaylor9100]

Actually like Frank Zappa's cover of Whipping Post better

[@Ooofaa-Maa]

@@christophertaylor9100 I was not aware of this. I'll be back...

[@JeffOfTheMountains]

I feel like she'd probably enjoy "Heard It In A Love Song" more simply because of the various instruments they use in that song.

[@carlcooper912]

This is my favorite son of all time. It speaks to my childhood and has carried me into my adulthood. I share it with my son hoping it will impact him as it has me. May the meaning be kept in the hearts of all those who listen in the future. CC

[@shaungold]

"Get your lust for the rich man's gold" totally changes the meaning of the verse. It's "forget your lust...".

[@mostlyharmless1918]

THANK YOU! Yes, what's being sung is "fo'get your lust" -- the word as written is "forget." Country-blues modifies those R's.

[@randallpetersen9164]

How could anyone think it's 'Get your lust for...'? I mean, are they even listening to what the song's about?

[@LSqrd1960]

If you weren’t sure, the lyrics are printed on the gatefold of the original vinyl…

[@cotadog4472]

all that you need is in your soul,,, goosebumps after all these years.

[@Randyluck1]

​@@cotadog4472 I get goosebumps on the first riff.

[@MrCyberious]

As a professional drummer, I look at the use of cymbals as the punctuation at the end of a statement. This song is a good example of that.

24:57 - he didn't tumble over. That's string bending. Solo guitar technique where you bend the string to emphasize your emotions more. It literally cannot be pitch perfect if you're gradually bending the string & slowly going inbetween notes. It's basically a slow, often one-way vibrato. And I think it's beautiful. It hits me in the feels every time & feels so human and imperfect, yet so genuine. Basically, almost all guitarists use that technique during solos. Sometimes even during rhythm sections.

[@ToddSauve]

That is the blues. 😄🎸😉

[@thomasrenton4499]

Melissa, by the Allman Brothers, definitely a keeper and an absolute classic of southern rock

[@brianmiller1077]

My first thought was isn't that an instrumental? I got my AB songs named after females confused.

[@bscott8383]

NIGHT MOVES by Bob Seger. It's simply a Perfect song. Melts me every time. Especially now that I'm in my older years. Hits me hard!

[@lazurusknight2724]

One of the most unique and iconic voices of rock. I'd be happy for any of his big hits to get the CV treatment

[@dryzalizer]

@@lazurusknight2724 Heck yeah, live Turn The Page would be incredible too.

[@crescent189]

Like a rock also

[@meguro-shima]

Lynyrd Skynyrd is definitely a legendary southern rock band of all time and still activate today.

[@jasonfreeman1963]

So to speak none of original members are left and yes Southern Rock legends

[@meguro-shima]

Is it amazing that late Ronnie's brother Johnny and Skynyrd members still rockin' cross the country.

[@meguro-shima]

Well, it's true that when Gary Rossington Passed away last year.

[@paulstallings6910]

I’ve seen them play live probably a dozen times. Even met Gary backstage about 5 years ago. After he passed you could very easily tell a founding member was no longer in charge. Songs in their set list changed. Sound changed. Sorry it will never be the same again.

[@eljison]

We need a duel analysis of a song with Elizabeth and Rick Beato. Elizabeth covering the vocals, Rick covering the production and guitar/music theory.

[@echopeakbicycling85]

Now, that would be a video to see.

[@stevedahlberg8680]

Lynyrd Skynyrd was masterful at manipulating space in their compositions and arrangements. It's why if any common bar band just plays the chords and does a few signature riffs,, it doesn't sound nearly as good as Lynyrd Skynyrd. Because Skynyrd songs are usually a pretty complicated, if sometimes subtle, jigsaw puzzle. It's really high level arrangement, it really is.

[@TheChristoph68]

Tuesday's Gone is another great song.

[@tonyradford5577]

Ever since I was a kid, I. Loved. Hockey

[@larrynelson4909]

Thanks I'm 67 and this song makes me blubber like a big ol baby always has always will

[@ddtb57]

For me, Rock and Roll was born in 1957, a very good year.

[@randallpetersen9164]

It makes me teary eyed too. I don't know your reason, but mine is that I never had a mom like that, and sure could have used one at times.

[@yadaroni]

One of the defining characters of music that stands the test of time, is that the instruments are played to service the song, and not the ego of the musician. The guitars are EXACTLY what this song needs. They aren't underplaying and they are not overplayed.

[@xtreme4stringbass]

This bass line is so awesome.

[@ttrmotocross]

Ten years ago I danced with my mom at my wedding to this song. I grew up with this music, but now to this day I cant listen to this song in particular without tearing up. It's so brilliantly simple and human.

[@samcorbin184]

Hardcore Skynyrd fans loving getting to watch you appreciate the band more and more ❤❤❤

[@LyleBoy2]

My uncle loved Lynryd Skynyrd. Shortly after he passed, I had a little fender bender. This was the first song I heard on the radio when I got back in my car. I swear it was him checking on me. Since that day, this song has always made me think of him.

[@steviejoewonder]

I agree with a comment requesting you to check out .38 Special. They were formed by Ronnie’s younger brother Donnie Van Zant and Don Barnes also in Jacksonville Florida. Another great southern rock band.

[@interstatestan5523]

saw them last niight

[@kkampy4052]

I was fortunate to live through the golden age of rock music. These songs sure hit differently now.

[@cfmuh]

The 70’s. Stripped down and simple recording. Classic!

[@andrewjeffrey2667]

Since the age of 14, this song has lived with me and will never leave. It'll always be in my top 10 of all time. If you want a song that makes you feel, this is it

[@jimw.4161]

Oh. Elizabeth, Thank you for your inimitable, brilliant analysis of this classic Skynyrd song. I'm 80 years old this is my favorite song (along with Freebird) from one of my all-time favorite bands. Southern Rock will never die - and Lynyrd Skynyrd will lead the way. 👍👍👍👍

[@Noble4Truths]

This song should be required listening in high school. Just a great message!

[@jamesknox7171]

Notice the lightning bolt over the head of the guy on the far right. (Ed King) That was not photoshopped or edited. That was actually captured when the photo was taken. Greatest Southern Rock band ever!

[@gilkaelin8590]

Saw an Ed King interview before he passed, he said he purposely stood off to the side a bit during photos- he felt like an outsider in the group

[@jamesknox7171]

@@gilkaelin8590 Yep. He was from California.

[@Littlewing1977]

Lynyrd Skynyrd with the lineup they had from 76 until the plane crash in my opinion was the best band ever. They do things to my spirit not many bands have ever done. Such a talented & gifted bunch.

[@nicklauslee3283]

Truer words have never been spoken, i have lived my by these words and still do 60 years gone.

[@Glendoras]

This song and this band blew me away when I first heard them back when I was a teen. Sadly Ronnie was long gone at that time and no band story has moved me as much as Lynyrd Skynyrd and their tragic story. I’ve always felt so saddened about it. But their music has had a fantastic impact on me and for that I am forever thankful. Ronnie is criminally underrated as a lyricist, he was a street poet of high caliber. Love his lyrics and vocals.

[@metalmark1214]

A great song by Skynyrd to follow up after doing Freebird. Shortly after Ronnie Van Zant's grandmother and Gary Rossington's mother died, they got together in Van Zant's apartment and started telling stories about them. "We just put down in a song what our mama or grandma had said to us," Rossington told Paul Ingles. "They really wrote it, we just played it."

[@jamiebell2164]

Bernice Rossington died in 1998.

[@spike3082]

You are half right shortly after Ronnie Van Zant's grandmother passed Ronnie was telling Gary stories about his grandmother and Gary mentioned that he was taught some of the same wisdom from his mother so they wrote this song to share that wisdom with the world

[@jimt3611]

Love the message of this song!

[@dagmar.6954]

This is my favorite song by them with a great message. Great southern rock band from the 60's-80's. It is very sad what happened to this band in losing so many members in a plane crash in 1977. They had lots of great songs such as "Free Bird", "Sweet Home Alabama", "Call Me The Breeze", "Tuesday's Gone", "That Smell", "The Ballad Of Curtis Loew", "What's Your Name", "Gimme Three Steps", "Saturday Night Special" etc.

[@gib59er56]

Simple Man is pure gold. If this does not move you you are an empty suit. Rest in Peace my brothers.

[@robertsonwilliams8650]

Wonderful track with a great meaning,the album is a classic .

[@andrewsaldivar2112]

Yep, every single track.

[@sackofmojojr.1758]

My Mom never said these actual words to me but I am sure that she would have agreed with what is being said. I have tried to pass these words of wisdom on to our daughter. The world and everything around it is becoming so complicated. Lynyrd Skynyrd is awesome and one of my all-time favorite Southern Rock bands. And this is one of their greatest songs. Ronnie Van Zant, you’re a legend and such a master storyteller with your music. Thank you, Elizabeth. Love your analysis, it really helps me to appreciate this song so much more.❤👍🤙

[@dennishinkle5010]

As you get older it gets better and better. Both my parents are gone now and those memories of them are all i have left. The simple life becomes more important. Life is too short to hurry through it so take your time. One one the best songs of all time in rock. Thank you for sharing.👍

[@marvelfan281]

I'm glad you speak on Ronnie's voice a bit - his voice sounds so authentic. He's got a real bluesy, soulful sound to his voice that I think is rare in vocalists these days. When his brother Johnny took over the band years later after the plane crash, he sounds similar, but I don't think Johnny has that same bluesy, soulful sound that Ronnie did.

[@zeldyrrolorin9962]

So glad you returned to Lynyrd Skynyrd. Since you are enjoying southern rock I'd like to suggest the band Larkin Poe. The band is fronted by two southern sisters and with every song they demonstrate their extraordinary talent and dedication to their craft. Their live cover of Wanted Woman would be a great place to start or Blood Harmony from their latest release.

[@mikeswilling3909]

I love Larkin Poe!! Also some women blues singers such as Beth Hart, Samantha Fish and Danielle Nicole.

[@tahoemike5828]

I agree, and Megan's slide guitar should be considered a "Voice," in its own right.

[@ErinJWade]

I’d second this and second a vote for Samantha Fish. Lots of live performances for both on KZbin as well.

[@jhensley1974]

Skynyrd's composition of nearly all of their songs is masterful. As I younger listener, I didn't always have the appreciation for how they composed their catalog. As an older listener, you do not find very many music groups that have such mastery in song composition. Nearly all of their instruments tells its own story at the same time as the song. Truly masterful.

[@Quickslvr_Gaming]

This is one of my all time favorites. Such a simple song for a Simple Man like myself.

[@azbiker7113]

If you really dig into Skynyrd, you'll fall in love with every, single, song. Once you know where they grew up, where they rehearsed, their relationship in high school, their gym teacher, (Leonard Skinner), you can't help but love every song, no matter how simple. They never caved to the record labels, never played, "radio friendly" hits, (although a few turned out that way), and they just wrote from life's experiences. They were as real of a band as you can get. It's really great to see people experience them for the first time. Fun fact: Ronnie, the primary songwriter, never wrote anything down. One of the guitar players would play a progression for him and he'd motion with his finger to keep going. He'd write lyrics in his head. Once he had something, he'd say, "Okay, play it from the top" and sing the lyrics. One song in particular he did this with was, Saturday Night Special. Ed was playing a chord progression and Ronnie motioned for him to keep going. It was lound in the room so he walked up to Ed and sang, "Two feets they come-a-creepin', like a black do. Two bodies layin' naked, creeper thinks he got nothing to lose...". That's a direct story from Ed King. RIP Ed! FYI, the guitar solo was a unison solo featuring Gary Rossington and Ed King.

[@johnimhof6568]

I saw them in 1974 with Chicago and the Doobie Brothers. There was Ronnie VanZant prowling center stage in his bare feet. He didn't have the greatest voice I ever heard, that was probably Greg Lake, but he had a powerful stage presence. Musically, they were amazing.

[@joer1678]

What a great line up

[@Gooser512]

I disagree. Ronnie's voice was perfection

[@dwightvoeks9970]

One of my favorite Skynard tunes. So much of their portfolio has stood the test of time

[@richardchocolas8800]

After hearing Ronnie sing the original, now you can understand why this song meant so much to Brent Smith and truly resonates with so many of us

[@nikbear]

This track and "The ballad of Curtis Lowe are two of my favourite Skynyrd song's ever, just beautiful ❤

[@Metal_Auditor]

My mom and I danced to this at my wedding reception back in March.

[@stevepowell6503]

One of my best friends back in the day did the same.

[@markemerson8399]

Elizabeth, listening to your analysis and watching you react is making me cry uncontrollably ... tears are falling.

[@joshuawoodbridge6267]

My favourite Lynyrd Skynyrd song! ❤

[@ddtb57]

Thank you for "Simple Man". My desert island song is Rod Stewart's "Maggie May". I consider 1957 the birth year of rock and roll, we are 67 years old😀

[@julesreiki]

Can't wait to hear this ❤ My all time favourite song and decribes me perfectly. Big LOVE.

[@ryannash8143]

Ronnie Van Zant was truly one of a kind. His lyrics and the way he delivered them never spoke down to the common man, but spoke to the common man. Gone way too soon, I’ve always wondered what new Skynyrd music into the 80’s and 90’s would’ve been like if he and the others had survived.

[@richardlaswell463]

Like others I would recommend 'The Ballad of Curtis Lowe', 'All I Can Do is Write It in a Song', and 'Four Walls of Raeford'.

[@McNeej]

These deep dive videos are some of my favorites. Please Elizabeth, show me how to love my favorite songs even more!

[@1massboy]

Let go! A great heartfelt song we love to hear.

[@markemerson8399]

The emotional connection between mother and child can be a beautiful thing.

[@dawson8139]

I feel like Blue October would be a terrific group for you to tackle one day! The lead singer, Justin Furtenfeld, has a great story and a deeply emotional voice that he expresses with, especially live. The songs Fear, Hate Me, or Calling You would all be good jumping-off points for the band if you're interested! The band's messaging really meshes with your encouragement of good mental health as a lot do their songs I personally find very cathartic during rough times.

[@Condorito380]

If it's a mental health journey through BOC then 'Veteran of the Psychic Wars' is a good start. Great idea!

[@dreknd]

I was 11yrs old when this song was released...It's always been my favorite Lynyrd Skynyrd song.

[@karldall-xn4xb]

Simple Man is one of the jewels. Ronnies lyrics still are producing goosebumps EVERY time I listen to the song. ... Another song, a different era, a completely different type of music, but still... the same effect: Elisabeth, take a look at (and listen to 😊) "Midnight" from YAZOO with Alison Moyet, superb. [Spoiler: 80s electro]

[@paulnye6025]

This song is to me is a proverb. Its message is true and timeless. Most bands have 1 anthem in their catalog, Skynyrd has 3: Simple Man, Free Bird, & Sweet Home Alabama. I so love your channel Elizabeth ❤

[@danielerdner3902]

If you're gonna look into southern rock please think about "Highway Song" by Blackfoot and "Whipping Post" by the Allman Brothers. I think you'd appreciate the vocals in both

[@stevedahlberg8680]

Ronnie Van Zant employed those little asides and that huge contrast between the present voice and then relaxing like you're saying something from a distance or as a different person or just as an aside. It's one thing I love about his style. And when playing live, it also acts as a way to kind of conduct the band and let them know that a solo is coming up or that something's going to repeat.

[@colrhodes377]

Bad Company also have a song entitled, Simple man. It's a real beauty for this channel.

[@terakahn]

Lynyrd Skynyrd is my definitive go to when someone asks me what classic rock is like. Really sums up that era for me. My parents listened to it and I didn't appreciate it whatsoever back then, but I did later on. "I want my music to sound human". Totally agree. It's those imperfections that bring the music to life. A perfectly sung song can sound almost detached sometimes.

[@rodrigokarrantza4135]

Hi Elizabeth, i'm loving your analisis and reactions, i'm big fan of lynyrd skynyrd and most of all I loved your ACDC reactions and analisis on Bon Scott's voice. If you are interested in hearing one more song from Bon and explore a register that is almost not present in any other ACDC song (and one that I really believe you would love), i strongly suggest and recommend you to check out "Ride On" where Bon expresses with a lower register, bluesy style, dropping a lot of feeling into the lyrics. You would love to know this one, and me and a lot of people i'm sure would enjoy watching your analisis and reactions over that song. It's definitely a must for fully understanding Bon Scott as a singer. Thank you and Keep it up I love your work!

[@rayvanhorn1534]

So pleased you did this Elizabeth, my favorite song by these guys. As I’ve grown older, this has taken a deeper meaning…just a fantastic song with thought provoking lyrics.

[@JayHuemann]

I have always thought of this song and "It's a gift to be simple" as comparable in message. Style is way different obviously but it is amazing how similar they are in implication.

[@StanEngland]

Never thought of that!

[@craigbeeson8954]

Absolutely love this song. This is the song I danced with my Mom to at my Wedding. She took me to my first concert, and it was a Lynyrd Skynyrd concert on the early 00’s. I agree with an earlier comment that The Ballad of Curtis Loew is fantastic.

[@AdamBrowning]

Ain't nothin' wrong with hearin' Skynyrd many, many, many times

[@bellarose6501]

Fantastic song 👏 Ronnie is describing the type of men that the world needs more of❤

[@richard_n]

Elizabeth if you love Skynyrd, you have to check out The Black Crows. They are personally my favorite southern rock band of all time. Chris Robinson has one of the best voices on the planet. The guy can sing rock, blues, gospel, you name it.

[@brewsmith]

I've been listening to this band and this song for decades and I really appreciate how you've extracted depth and dimension from this song that I intuited but never articulated before. One of my favorite and most meaningful songs and I enjoy it even more now. Thanks and keep up the fantastic content!

[@berniehuot8387]

Lynyrd Skynyrd is among the best . I would love a reaction of “cool change “ by the little River band. An oldy but sooooo good. Also more Rush pls lol. Love all your reactions.

[@gdubaz]

The "confined" quality of the intro guitar is an effect pedal called a Compressor. It's used in a lot of genres, but especially Country and Southern Rock.

[@mikemorris4973]

Finally, Finally......you are getting exposed to the Original Skynyrd (pre plane crash). Freebird of course was the song with minimal vocals lol, but epic guitars which the band is famous for - the 3 guitar army. Great song to start on! "One more from the road" is a great live album, and there is great live footage from 'Day on the Green in Oakland, CA", Asbury Park, Kenbworth, Winterland, etc. This band has quite the history, and multiple albums to choose from. Steve Gaines literally might be one of the most under rated (ronnie let him sing you got that right and aint no good life as they were steves songs) yet talented of the bunch, although I love all of the band members contribution's. They ALL did an amazing job. A few songs that would be nice to see your input on : Travelin man, Gimmee three steps, Workin for MCA, Whiskey Rock a Roller, Searchin, That smell.....the list goes on. PLEASE continue digging, and learning about this band. There is a REASON why 46 yrs later the current band is still performing the original songs.

[@spike3082]

I would love to see her do Travellin Man but the more recent version with Johnny singing it along with archived audio and video of Ronnie singing it as well

[@arthurcutaiar9994]

46 years later, yeah it's about the money

[@tdig6546]

Those two song you got that right and ain't no good life are two of my favorites

[@SterlingStudios]

Its so awesome you paying tribute to this , thank you

[@greg_cooks]

Fantastic song! Can’t wait for your reaction! I’d also love to see your reaction to Dave Matthews and Tim Reynolds Bartender Live from radio city. A very powerful performance with two acoustic guitars and Dave’s vocals. I think you’d enjoy it Anyhoo, I love the channel and keep up the great work! Thanks for the informative entertainment!

[@DarrellBarnett-f2n]

I love the pure joy she gets from music.

[@keithrussell6766]

QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE

[@jeff2545mp]

I love that you have also done the Shinedown cover of this song. This is a song that will always be relevant.