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
Oh yeah to be a simple man
Oh take your time don't live too fast
Troubles will come and they will pass
Go find a woman oh baby you'll find love
And don't forget son
there is someone up above
And be a simple kind of man
Oh be something you love and understand
Baby be a simple be a simple man
Oh won't you do this for me son if you can
Forget your lust for the rich man's gold
All that you need oh Lord 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
And be a simple kind of man
Be something you love and understand
Baby be a simple oh be a simple man
Oh won't you do this for me son if you can
Oh yes I will oh I will be a simple man
Boy don't you worry you'll find yourself
Follow your heart Lord and nothin' else
And you can do this oh baby if you try
All that I want for you my son is to be satisfied
Be a simple kind of man
Oh be something you love and understand
Baby be a simple be a simple man
Oh won't you do this for me son if you can
Baby be a simple oh be a simple man
Oh be something child you love and understand
Baby be a simple be a simple man
Oh won't you won't you do this for me son if you can Oh yeah
Oh Mama I will be a simple man
Don't you know Don't you know
Lord I'm doing the best I can