Simplicity Itself

I had intended to post this - and may yet do so - as a more in depth look at the cover song, given the variety of takes I have on the tune. But the timing seems right for this particularly enchanting version of 'Simple Man' by Alessi's Ark and as the song itself recommends: follow your heart and nothing else.

MP3 - Alessi's Ark - Simple Man (Lynyrd Skynyrd cover)

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Originally by Lynyrd Skynyrd of course, this cover by 18-year old Londoner Alessi really elicits the warmth of the song, her voice conjuring both hope and longing from words that could easily become trite in the hands of others. It settles particularly well against the original whilst adding a personal flavour of the musician covering, which is certainly one of the hallmarks of a good cover song.

I'm sure I can dissect this further in future pieces but for now the song is more than capable of speaking for itself.

"My 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 will help you some sunny day

Take your time, don't live too fast
Troubles will come and they will pass
You'll find a woman and you'll find love
And don't forget that there is a someone up above

And be a simple kind of man
And be something you'll love and understand
Baby be a simple kind of man
Oh, won't you do this for me son if you can?
Then you can

Don't get your lust from the rich man's gold
All that you need now is in your soul
And you can do this, oh baby if you try
All that I want from you my son is to be satisfied

And be a simple kind of man
And be something you'll love and understand
Baby be a simple kind of man
Oh, won't you do this for me son if you can?
If you can

Oh, 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 from you my son is to be satisfied

And be a simple kind of man
Be something you'll love and understand
Baby be a simple kind of man
Oh, won't you do this for me son if you can?
So baby be a simple, be a simple man
Oh, won't you do this for me son if you can?"

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