Hits me as a Son. Hits me as a Father. Hits me as solid advice.

Brother…this is the type of music that transcends race, generations, economics, etc. This is music that speaks truth across the realities of life that we all experience no matter where you find yourself on this Earth.

If Skynyrd’s music doesn’t hit you where you live, you’re living in the wrong place!

This song is known as a “song of the South” but we really aren’t bad people down here. We were taught to respect EVERYONE, until they disrespect you.

I don't think enough people realize that hip-hop, R&B, country, and southern rock all come from the same musical tradition. All started from Blues and Jazz.

Shortly after Ronnie Van Zant's grandmother died and taking some advice Gary Rossington's mothers gave to her son, they got together in Van Zant's apartment and started telling stories about them. Rossington came up with a chord progression, and Van Zant wrote the lyrics based on advice the women had given them over the years. They wrote it in about an hour.

ALL men need a mother like his. I was poor, but my mother was the best thing that ever happened to me. Gracias, a mi mama. RIP

Love to watch my black brothers feel the soul of Ronnie Van Zant. We’re all one flesh and blood. Peace!

It ALWAYS surprises me when I see people react to music that isn't traditionally to their taste. Music that reaches down, grabs you by the heart and takes you on a journey. Tells you a story. It's timeless and color blind.

It's amazing how our elders give us these words of wisdom, but it doesn't all really hit us until we get older ourselves.

My husband used to love this song. He passed away 6 months ago. He dedicated this song to our son and would sing it to him all the time. I played this song at his funeral service. Loved your reaction it is an amazing song.

My son recorded himself singing this song, and played it at his wedding reception for our mother-son dance. It was beautiful! 💕

The words of an impoverished mother specifically in the south. Amazing song.

When my son was in High School, I made his a mix CD. This was the first song. When he married, this was our Mother and Son dance song. He listened.

Lynyrd Skynyrd is legitimately one of the greatest bands of all time. It’s a shame 3 people in their band died in a plane crash including their front man Ronnie Van Zant. Gone way too soon. Their music will always live on tho.

My mother dedicated this song to me, her only son. I live by this. Even more so after she just passed a month ago

This was my husband's favorite song. He would sing it so loud and well in the car. It hurts me to listen to it anymore since I lost my beloved husband a year and a half ago. We were married for over 20 years, all listening and hearing him sing it.

This was my oldest son’s’ anthem, he passed in an industrial accident 2 1/2 years ago. Listening to it always makes tears come to my eyes!!!!

The drummer, Bob Burns, was a friend of mine when I was a younger man in my 20s, at the time, living in Atlanta. He really didn’t realize how much their music touched people. He used to say, “ Man, we were just a bunch of guys playing music in this barn and it was always really hot in there.” Check out The Ballad of Curtis Loew. That’s another one of my favorites.

God is great. Every breath we take is a gift from our Creator. Everything we have comes from the sacrifice of our Lord Christ.

“The new R&B is not the old R&B.” - Amen.

This song was awesome man.

I spent my 20s in prison. And I've seen so many hardened folk shed tears to the guy in the cell upstairs belting this song

This song was always one of my faves. One day, driving my kids home from school- while this song was on the radio, my oldest, my son, in the backseat, began crying. He was 11? I noticed his reaction. And turned back and said, “what’s wrong?” He said, “I just figured out what this song said…!” I will never forget that moment.

The first time i heard this song i broke down i to tears because everything thats said in this song has been said to me by my mother a million times. This song will stick with me forever.

This song transcends generations nice to see younger people discovering real music this is the best of all southern rock bands

I really appreciate how openly you love your wife and kids. Too many "men" don't express it. The best part of my life is being a father and husband.

The world holds up so many shiny objects that they want us to strive for but you will never find happiness and fulfillment in shiny objects

Ronnie Van Zandt was an amazing singer, they said he would sing barefoot so he could feel the energy of the crowd. Lynyrd Skynyrd is the only band I have ever heard that sounds as good live as they do on a record.

"Gimme three steps", "Tuesdays Gone" , "Sweet Home Alabama", "Free bird" Name one song thats better than the other? Im a HUGE Lenard Skynard fan!

Lynyrd Skynyrd is such a soulful band. They get into your soul. I’m a California, Hispanic gal who loves me some Lynyrd Skynyrd ♥️ When I drive my truck & blast this band’s music, I feel invincible. ✌🏼

No one could do it like Ronnie Van Zant. He died tragically in 1977 in a plane crash

This was my husband’s song. It was played at his funeral.

Ronnie Van Zant was the best singer-songwriter God ever slung guts into!! But God is a jealous God and took him away from us 44 years ago, but turn your radio on he still here!!! God bless Ronnie Van Zant and Gary rossington of Lynyrd Skynyrd

I know. I cry. Every . Single. Time...

My mother sang this to me as a child. It always held so much meaning for her that I didn't understand or appreciate until I became a father myself. Now, it's one of my own son's favorite bedtime songs. When I told her that I play it for him at night, she cried.

I love your reaction. And you're absolutely spot-on. Many jewels in this one. I'm an old grumpy white guy (not really grumpy) and I grew up on Lynyrd Skynyrd. I love to see the music of my youth jump the generational and cultural gap. Thank you young people for keeping these classic alive!

I don't know what part of the country you live in, but this is the BEST that Southern Rock had to offer!! Sadly, the lead singer and lead guitarist died in a plane crash in 1977.

I sang this song to my son,from the beginning..His lullaby, I would stand and sway him and sang it all the time. He knows this is " his song from me." I'm proud to say my Son grew up into a fine Simple Man.. I often text or call, reminding him,"I LOVE YOU MY SIMPLE MAN ,MONTE " Thanks, Lynyrd. They're one of the BEST !!!!

All that you need is in your soul. More sage advise could not be given

Ain't no shame in shedding a tear on this one man. Straight pulls on the heart everytime. One love

The story of the band is pretty tragic. This is one of their best IMO.

My son and I always dance to this. This is my song for my son. I had 3 children but God decided he needed my baby boy and my daughter back 3 1/2 yrs ago. My son that is still with me knows if this comes on we are dancing. 😁 Besides the fact these are my home boys. I lived on Brick yard road around the corner from Ronnie Van Zants home where he lived when he died.

I was fortunate enough to have seen them live several times, before and after the plane crash. When I saw this song live, I was teary-eyed, and had goosebumps. I sing this song to my boys, my oldest is 42 and I still sing it too him. I am glad to see younger generations enjoy the music that I grew up on. Great reaction my man!

There's no such thing as a bad Lynyrd Skynyrd song 🔥🤘💜

Lynyrd Skynyrd is America's greatest rock and roll band. They are a national treasure. (period)

Every time I hear this song I get Childs man. The message of this song is so POWERFUL and SIMPLE.

I lost my Mom this past September , and right now this feels like it was sent to me from my Mom up in Heaven - Thank You , my Brother ❤️❤️❤️

When my son was just a little thing, I sang this to him every night before bed. He's now 35 & this is still our song, only now he always dances with me to it as I sing it to him.

Because it's talent without racism.... They grew up poor and trying to make it!!!! Sadly the lead singer and a few others died in a plane crash and his brother took over to keep the love going!!!! Not all white people are racist and I love this music bc I am white but don't have many white friends.... This is why I love your channel bc yo see through that BULLSHIT..... We could be brothers and I would stand back to back with you...... Bc I found you through the Hank videos!!!! You are a great man and I know you aren't a jerk but a good person..... I am a G but from Bama it turns you on to the real world!!!! I hope things get better and I will ride with you anytime💯💯💯.... Plus I get the same emotions but I bet a nigga won't call me weak!!!!!💯 I Rick with you and gonna gone you the sub and bell notification...... I"m not an pussy ass island boy but I guarantee you can check my credentials!!!!!🖤🖤🖤 I have watched and liked lots of your videos today and can't wait to hear that bell..... And if the haters want to laugh bc I love everyone then DM me and I will give my address..... We should all love each other and worry about the countries that hate us!!!!! 💯

Old rock, old blues, old soul, old country....share it all with your kids.~:>

If more people would just follow the advice of Skynrd’s songs this world would be so much better and a lot less hatred

I discovered this band in 1998 while digging through my dad's 8 tracks. I was obsessed, and then so devastated to learn of the plane crash.

This is my favorite Skynyrd song.

I told my son this was my song to him, be a simple man, my only son. This song gets to me every time I hear it. What wonderful words to live by.

This song is the essence of Lynyrd Skynyrd. Thank you for recognizing the simplicity of lifestyle promulgated by this song. If we all just lived this way, huh?

Lot of times we don't appreciate this kind of advice until we are older. No one wants to hear this when they are 17 and they feel the world is about to become theirs.

Honor your parents. It does not say you have to like or love them. Though that would be " nice". God's promise is a good, long life. This song "simple man" is a great lesson why. How to "live" life, based on the wisdom and experience of our elders. Wow! Cheesy but true. Smarts. Soul.

Sometimes a song comes down the pipe that resonates so deep in your soul that it can cause Tears of pain or comfort and happiness

This is what mothers hope for all of their children.

This is the kind of music that when you listen to it so does the neighborhood.

I make sure all 3 of my sons hear this song regularly so they think of me one day when they hear it. ❤️ This OG version, but the Shinedown one is great too!

There is a lot of knowledge in the lyrics. In 1973 (when the album came out I just finished my sophmore year and gettting ready to go to work after school.. I had bought a cheap turntable/record player. i hooked it all up and started play some albums I had. It was a Saturday and I had just bought the Lynard Skinner album. My mom heard me playing it in my room and came in there. She asked me if I listened to the song that just played (Simple Man). She told me if I paid attention to the words of that song. I told her not really, she told me to start it again. She stayed in there until it finished, then told me to listen to the words until I knew them and follow those words the rest of your life. I have never forgot the words or what my mother told me. After I got older and moved out of the house she asked for the record so she could play it for my two yonger brothers. She gave them the same instructions to memorize the words. As we got older she would asked us to recite the words for her. She did that to us for many years and would occasionally ask use to recite the songs words.

dude southern rock is about emotional understanding of life its ok to cry

Southern music is mostly about the basics of life and living

I love how you enjoyed this song. I appreciate how you opened up and shared part of your life. It’s a beautiful song and wonderful reaction. My allergies act up a lot, too.

By the mid-80's I had overdosed on Skynyrd, but HOLY SH*T, they are a great band.

When I was a kid I had a Jeep and my dad put a tape with that song on so when I turn the car on it played. Best Dad ever!

🇨🇦👍✌61 years old Seems like your allergies always come on stronger when you open up your heart ❤ It's OK my friend 😉 Love your reaction my friend Try this one by Zac brown band Song is free/ into the mystic Keep the good work ✌

This song played such a role in my life.

You don't have to lie to kick it. This song makes me cry every time I hear it. My mom passed away in 2019. When I'm not having such a good day this song seems to find my playlist. Have a blessed day everybody.

One of the greatest tunes ever wrote.....

As soon as the music starts the chills hit. Every time I hear this song. Perfection in artistry

The singer is Ronnie VanZant he died in a plane crash in 1977 along with 5 others Cassie and Steve Gaines (brother,sister) 2 pilots and a manager of the band

LS were down to earth Southern Americans! Loved them then, still love them today! Gone too soon! 😢❤

Lost my mom when i was 14 she sat me down a few years before she passed an sang this to me. Its still a hard song to listen to but thanks for your reaction

I'm an old rocker from the 60s, much respect for sharing your perspective of my favorite song young man. Live long, be happy, and keep the faith.

My Daddy was a Simple Man and he passed his absolute love for Skynyrd down to me. Even though I cry every time I hear any of their music because I miss my father, I listen to honor his memory.

He is listening from Heaven and I’m sure he appreciates your kind words.

Thank You for bringing people together LFR Family. You are what our Country needs.

My favorite song, for the same reasons. As advise given to me when I was only 13. Saying goodbye to an older neighbor girlfriend as I was leaving due to personal at home problems. This song came on and she told me to listen to its words and follow them. Great advise from one kid to another right!

To this day, lyrically, still one of the most relevant songs ever written in any genre of music.

This took me back.... I saw LS at least 5 times here in Alabama.... I knew all the words to every song... when the plane crashed & Ronnie and the others died it just broke my heart. Glad you reacted!

This is one of the greatest songs ever written

These lyrics are a masterpiece.

This was gonna be me and mom's 1st dance song at my wedding. She passed away before I got married so me and my sister danced to it. LOVE YOU MOM

Your guardian did a good job. Seriously you are a good man.

I think of my son's every single time I hear this song...its wisdom...pure wisdom...

I'm 63 I was 17 when this was released and I still cry dude. Great band . thanks for the memories!

As a mother of two sons, this song is close to my heart. The cover by Shinedown is beautiful too.

It brings joy to my heart to see someone in a younger generation discover Lynyrd Skynyrd.

Lets face it...new R&B sucks like most music today. For good music you gotta go back...you just gotta go back. Why waste time searching for good music today when we know it already exists in the past. All you want to hear can be found in an earlier era, as its just waiting to be rediscovered over and over and over again.

One of my favorite songs I heard growing up. Great message. I'm female, and I know it's from a man's POV, but it made an impact on me as a little girl and I still try to live this way. I think it's good advice for anyone. Be humble, be loving, be grateful.

I started playing this song for my son when he was just a baby. He’s 22 now and listened to the words and lives this very way. And plays this song all the time. Stay blessed 🙏🙏

American dream, gold era, 70s and 80s, that's what people look up to, that's when music was written to transcend, that's what we will probably never get again.

Back in the 70’s most great bands were huge fans of Otis Reading, Sam Cooke, Marvin Gaye…bluesy…we boomers had the best music as our backdrop 🙋‍♀️🙋‍♀️😎

So Sad About The 70’s Plane Crash That Killed Some Of Them As Well As The Lead Singer🕊🕊🙏🏽🕊🕊😪

i danced with my mother at my wedding to this song.

Shinedown does the best cover I've ever heard. Not just of this song, but the best cover ever. Period.

Had this talk with my son before he left for boot camp in 2007. A short time later, he played me this song. He was amazed that my words to him were in a song. I only wanted him to take something with him that no one could take away.