Jump to content

ATC's Lyrical Discussion: Week 5


Addictedtoclassic

Recommended Posts

"Simple Man" - The Charlie Daniels Band

I ain't nothin' but a simple man

They call me a redneck I reckon that I am

But there's things going on

That make me mad down to the core

I have to work like a dog to make ends meet

There's crooked politicians and crime in the street

And I'm madder'n hell and I ain't gonna take it no more

We tell our kids to just say no

Then some panty waist judge lets a drug dealer go

Slaps him on the wrist and then he turns him back out on the town

Now if I had my way with people sellin' dope

I'd take a big tall tree and a short piece of rope

I'd hang 'em up high and let 'em swing 'til the sun goes down

Well, you know what's wrong with the world today

People done gone and put their Bible's away

They're living by the law of the jungle not the law of the land

The good book says it so I know it's the truth

An eye for and eye and a tooth for a tooth

You better watch where you go and remember where you been

That's the way I see it I'm a Simple Man

Now I'm the kinda man that'd not harm a mouse

But if I catch somebody breakin in my house

I've got a twelve guage shotgun waiting on the other side

So don't go pushing me against my will

I don't want to have to fight you but I dern sure will

So if you don't want trouble then you'd better just pass me on by

As far as I'm concerned there ain't no excuse

For the raping and the killing and the child abuse

And I've got a way to put an end to all that mess

Just take them rascals out in the swamp

Put 'em on their knees and tie 'em to a stump

Let the rattlers and the bugs and the alligators do the rest

You know what's wrong with the world today

People done gone and put their Bible's away

They're living by the law of the jungle not the law of the land

The Good Book says it so I know it's the truth

An eye for and eye and a tooth for a tooth

You better watch where you go and remember where you been

That's the way I see it I'm a Simple Man

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I doubt the lyricist meant for his lyrics to be ironic, but they are. He's talking about all the horrors going on the US like drug dealing, raping, abusing, stuff like that. Those are terrible, terrible crimes, but if he really means what he says (about all his different forms of vengeance) then he is just as bad. Of course, if he is all talk, then I guess there is no problem there. But why is it that he thinks killing someone because of vengeance allright if killing someone for other reasons isn't? Once again though, I don't think the crimes he speaks of are condonable, I just don't think vengeance is the answer.

Oh, by the way, I think I am going to be starting another similar thread to this one. It will be different because while these threads are more general to all thoughts on lyrics, my threads will be more specific to deciphering confusing lyrics. It is not intended as a rival thread, only as a different spin on this topic.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I doubt the lyricist meant for his lyrics to be ironic, but they are. He's talking about all the horrors going on the US like drug dealing, raping, abusing, stuff like that. Those are terrible, terrible crimes, but if he really means what he says (about all his different forms of vengeance) then he is just as bad. Of course, if he is all talk, then I guess there is no problem there. But why is it that he thinks killing someone because of vengeance allright if killing someone for other reasons isn't? Once again though, I don't think the crimes he speaks of are condonable, I just don't think vengeance is the answer.

Oh, by the way, I think I am going to be starting another similar thread to this one. It will be different because while these threads are more general to all thoughts on lyrics, my threads will be more specific to deciphering confusing lyrics. It is not intended as a rival thread, only as a different spin on this topic.

I think it's more meant to be just talk, but the anger displayed in the words shows how horrified he is by the crimes that are being committed. I also think the anger is shown with how little society does to deal with these offenders. It's kind of "be nice or I'll kick your f----n' @$$" Something like that.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Please sign in to comment

You will be able to leave a comment after signing in



Sign In Now
×
×
  • Create New...