[Verse 1]
Mama told me when I was young
"Come sit beside me, my only son
And listen closely, oh, baby, to what I say
And if you do this
It'll help you some sunny day"

[Refrain]
Oh, yeah, be a simple man

[Verse 2]
"Take your time... don't live too fast
Troubles will come and they will pass
You'll find a woman, oh, baby, and you'll find love
And don't forget, son
There is someone up above"

[Chorus]
"And be a simple kind of man
Be something you love and understand
Oh, baby, be a simple... be a simple man
Won't you do this for me, son
If you can?"

[Verse 3]
"Forget your lust for rich man's gold
All that you need is in your soul
And you can do this if you try
All that I want for you, my son
Is to be satisfied"
[Chorus]
"And be a simple kind of man
Be something you love and understand
Oh, baby, be a simple... be a simple man
Won't you do this for me, son
If you can?"

[Verse 3]
"Boy, don't you worry... you'll find yourself
Follow your heart and nothing else
And you can do this, oh, baby, if you try
All that I want for you, my son
Is to be satisfied"

[Chorus]
"And be a simple kind of man
Be something you love and understand
Oh, baby, be a simple... be a simple man
Won't you do this for me, son
If you can?"