Lynyrd Skynyrd's Song 'Simple Man'

From a very young age, my mother and father taught me to do what makes me happy, and not to worry about anyone else. “Simple Man” by Lynyrd Skynyrd embodies what I have been taught all my life. My mom used to sing this song when she was putting me to sleep, and ever since then, “Simple Man” has held a very special place in my heart. This is the song I think of when I’m having a hard time or when I need to remember to live for myself, despite what anyone thinks about me or the ones around me. My family never did fit the cookie cutter definition of family, and because of this, the things we bonded over were few and far between. Music happened to be one of these things. This song always brings us closer together. It was like one of those rare …show more content…
My grandmother was an extremely big influence on my life, and after her passing, I was devastated. These lyrics don’t particularly pertain directly to my feelings in that specific situation, but they reminded me to calm down and appreciate all the special times that I had with her. This song frequented the top of my playlist for a few months after that day, and now as I listen to it, it doesn’t bring any bad memories into my head, but only good ones. “Simple Man” reminds me of the countless struggles I have been through and have overcome in my life, especially when hearing these two lines. Another line that I closely connected to says, “Follow your heart and nothing else.” Everyone remembers this line from elementary school teachers. They told us, “Live your dreams.”, and “Always follow your hearts to wherever they will lead you.” I obviously didn’t even have a clue as to what they were talking about at the time, but this year, I have finally realized why it is important to do so. You make your own choices, and you can decide what you want to do with your life. You have full control. My dad has constantly reminded me of this as well, often using himself as an