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Graham Nash — Simple Man
Album: Songs for Beginners
Avg rating:
6.9

Your rating:
Total ratings: 914









Released: 1971
Length: 2:11
Plays (last 30 days): 0
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I am a simple man
So I sing a simple song
I never been so much in love
And never hurt so bad at the same time

I am a simple man
And I play a simple tune
I wish that I could see you once again across the room
Like the first time

I just want to hold you, I don't want to hold you down
I hear what you're saying and you're spinning my head around
And I can't make it alone

The ending of the tale
Is the singing of the song
Make me proud to be your man only you can make me strong
Like the last time

I just want to hold you, I don't want to hold you down
I hear what you're saying and you're spinning my head around
And I can't make it alone
Comments (84)add comment
Woaaaa good lyrics!!!!
Posted 5 months ago by jot    [ Reply ]
Written for Joni. Friend of mine had a long talk with him several years ago about this tune. He actually came back to him backstage while he was in a "meet and greet" line to specifically discuss this song after my friend mentioned it to him. My friend was dumbstruck.
Posted 10 months ago by awhfman    [ Reply ]
 jazo wrote:

...but this is not the original version



Such a shame Sinéad completely ruining this 
Posted 1 year ago by TheKing2    [ Reply ]
I haven't heard this song in years...and it brings me back to my college days when a girl I was hoping to date turned me on to it. It didn't work out, but I still think of her whenever I hear it. Ah, youthful romantic memories!
Posted 1 year ago by mongoneb    [ Reply ]
Such a pretty song - I'll have to dig out my album - check out the violins!  or is my memory fading.
Posted 1 year ago by prs    [ Reply ]
Used to play this on my college radio station. Love this. Such a beautiful piece. (WERS Emerson College, Boston. )
Posted 3 years ago by keenevision    [ Reply ]
Nostalgic. Just not for me though.
Posted 3 years ago by kazoo    [ Reply ]
Thanks for this great Radio Station....
Great RP.
Posted 4 years ago by sashaly1968    [ Reply ]
 cathenley wrote:
I use to have this album...

 

I still have mine.  From 1975.
Posted 4 years ago by Hey_Porter    [ Reply ]
Great track - best on the album - saw GN live at Ally Pally, London last week  (or was it the week before!!) with his touring band (guitarist and keyboard player) - his harmonies are still fantastic - even without David Crosby – and he still hits the high notes.  Apart from some of the CSN&Y classics and just N&C tracks he also sang 'Day in a life' which was something I never thought I'd hear live.  Thanks Graham'

Posted 5 years ago by prs    [ Reply ]
What a lovely song.
Posted 5 years ago by jbarryc    [ Reply ]
Just when I thought hardly anyone new about this...
Posted 5 years ago by nomnol    [ Reply ]
one of my favourite albums
Posted 5 years ago by marysclark    [ Reply ]
 Skydog wrote:
real disappointed with this album
after i played it i said there goes 3 and a half bucks down the drain 
 
$3.50 (chuckle, chuckle)
Posted 7 years ago by unclehud    [ Reply ]
{#Meditate} still digging this and it still sounds good !
Posted 7 years ago by primm    [ Reply ]
real dissapointed with this album
after i played it i said there goes 3 and a half bucks down the drain 
Posted 8 years ago by Skydog    [ Reply ]
I love this album.  Military Madness makes me cry every time I hear it. 
Posted 9 years ago by marklaw    [ Reply ]
Thanks.
Been quite awhile for this one. Wore out a couple of recordings of this.
Posted 10 years ago by DanFHiggins    [ Reply ]
{#Heartkiss}
Posted 10 years ago by CCinSB    [ Reply ]
Loved this song and album for many years-nostalgic.
Posted 11 years ago by pinem    [ Reply ]

Always loved this song.

A simple song striking at some deeper truths.   


Posted 11 years ago by steeler    [ Reply ]
 Cynaera wrote:

Agreed. RP is my only musical choice these days, although I have several stations bookmarked. I keep coming back here because every day, I hear something new, or something old that I'd forgotten I loved.  Bill's definitely "the man." {#Sunny}
 
Hear, hear!!  {#Cheers}
Posted 11 years ago by philbertr    [ Reply ]
This song brings memories of being deeply in love for the first time. Shocked to hear it turn up here.
Posted 11 years ago by arighter2    [ Reply ]
Wow, havent heard this in ages, such a beautiful song.
Posted 11 years ago by bluematrix    [ Reply ]
The First album I ever purchased and my favorite track.
Posted 12 years ago by sullivanssusie    [ Reply ]
wonderful album..thankyou
 
Posted 12 years ago by peter_thurlow    [ Reply ]
One very long introduction.
Posted 12 years ago by hbs47    [ Reply ]
Play more Graham Nash
Posted 12 years ago by Shesdifferent    [ Reply ]
A simply beautiful song.
Posted 12 years ago by Ubaldo    [ Reply ]
Instantly recognizable as Graham Nash, even though this is my first hearing. I haven't found a better musical mix anywhere, which is why RP is my main source of music! In Phoenix we have a commercial free classic rock station that plays deep album cuts, and I usually listen to it in the autos, but it's a poor second choice. Thanks Bill!

Posted 12 years ago by AZ_Bear    [ Reply ]
A plaintive plea.

Perfect.

Posted 12 years ago by steeler    [ Reply ]
 Rooney wrote:
Hmmm.  I never thought of "Lady of the Island" as sickly sweet.  Sensously lovely maybe, romantic perhaps...and I loved it.  He WAS a romantic man who loved deeply...Not just the "Chicago" guy that got political.  His voice added to the other two?  Heavenly.
 
Hey Rooney, there's no denying his vocals/harmonies were a big part of what made the band great, and I do like some of his songs. I'm just saying that of the 4 he was the weakest songwriter.

Posted 13 years ago by On_The_Beach    [ Reply ]
Wow. Nice.
Posted 13 years ago by cc_rider    [ Reply ]
 On_The_Beach wrote:
For me, Nash was the weak(est) link in CSNY. So many of his songs are just too sickly sweet for my tastes (Remember "Lady of the Island" from the first CSN album - ick). Pretty much everything by the other 3 was great (at least on the first 2 albums).

 

Hmmm.  I never thought of "Lady of the Island" as sickly sweet.  Sensously lovely maybe, romantic perhaps...and I loved it.  He WAS a romantic man who loved deeply...Not just the "Chicago" guy that got political.  His voice added to the other two?  Heavenly.
Posted 13 years ago by Rooney    [ Reply ]
Although never one of the classic albums of that era or probably any other, there are several poignant ballads that are characteristic of the time. Thank you RP for playing it and reminding me of a less confusing time! 
Posted 13 years ago by alankirke    [ Reply ]
 On_The_Beach wrote:
For me, Nash was the weak(est) link in CSNY.
 Me, too.


Posted 13 years ago by WayUpNorth    [ Reply ]
"I am a simple man and I play a simple tune. " Yep, that sums it up {#Sleep}
Posted 13 years ago by fredriley    [ Reply ]

Hard Rock Calling 2010 Day 3 by loudpixels
Marc Broussely
https://www.flickr.com/photos/loudpixels/

LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 27: Graham Nash of Crosby Stills and Nash Backstage on day 3 of Hard Rock Calling in Hyde Park on June 27, 2010 in London, England. (Photo by Marc Broussely/Redferns) *** Local Caption *** Graham Nash

Copyright All rights reserved
.

Posted 13 years ago by calypsus_1    [ Reply ]
 On_The_Beach wrote:
For me, Nash was the weak(est) link in CSNY. So many of his songs are just too sickly sweet for my tastes (Remember "Lady of the Island" from the first CSN album - ick). Pretty much everything by the other 3 was great (at least on the first 2 albums).

 

Wow, I love that song...and I love the sweetness his voice brought to the band
Posted 14 years ago by Randomax    [ Reply ]

Graham Nash & David Crosby - Simple Man, Live

Posted 14 years ago by calypsus_1    [ Reply ]
For me, Nash was the weak(est) link in CSNY. So many of his songs are just too sickly sweet for my tastes (Remember "Lady of the Island" from the first CSN album - ick). Pretty much everything by the other 3 was great (at least on the first 2 albums).

Posted 14 years ago by On_The_Beach    [ Reply ]
This song never fails to move me.  Thanks RP.
Posted 14 years ago by Rooney    [ Reply ]
 cpascale wrote:
My husband just said "Bill's the man" as he wiped away a tear. Actually we say that often, with or without the tears :)
 
Agreed. RP is my only musical choice these days, although I have several stations bookmarked. I keep coming back here because every day, I hear something new, or something old that I'd forgotten I loved.  Bill's definitely "the man." {#Sunny}
Posted 14 years ago by Cynaera    [ Reply ]
meower wrote:
he wrote this when he & joni mitchell broke up. and she wrote the entire blue album
A good story when your children ask why pain and evil exist - they make beauty and goodness possible.

Posted 14 years ago by Businessgypsy    [ Reply ]
 cpascale wrote:
My husband just said "Bill's the man" as he wiped away a tear. Actually we say that often, with or without the tears :)
 
Tears here, too.  Fabulous, wistful nostalgia for much, much happier times. 

Posted 14 years ago by justin_thyme    [ Reply ]
My husband just said "Bill's the man" as he wiped away a tear. Actually we say that often, with or without the tears :)
Posted 14 years ago by cpascale    [ Reply ]
I LOOOVVEE THIS SONG! Thanks for it Bill.
Posted 14 years ago by CCinSB    [ Reply ]

David Crosby and Graham Nash - "Simple Man" & "Marrakesh Express" Live in BBC (1970)

"Despite its British source, Nash is one of the great American rock writers of all time and with David Crosby, Stephen Stills and Neil Young was a member of CSNY super group that revolutionized American music in the 60s. Originally published in 1971, "Songs for Beginners" is the debut album by Graham Nash and its publication was preceded by a breakup with Joni Mitchell. This separation is evident in songs like "Simple Man", "Better Days" or "I used to be a king." Nash came to compose and perform for the first time "Simple Man" a few hours before a concert in New York attended by the aforementioned. In addition to these emotional issues complexion, the disc features pieces sublime balladry like "Military Madness," "Chicago" or hit "We Can Change the World". "Songs for Beginners" is one of the great American rock albums of all time, a key element in the musical-library of any fan with concerns."
Posted 14 years ago by calypsus_1    [ Reply ]
Always was a favorite and still is. Thanks for playing!
Posted 15 years ago by ShaCastle    [ Reply ]

Grace Slick & Graham Nash - "Panda" Live (1989)

Posted 15 years ago by calypsus_1    [ Reply ]

Graham Nash - interview

"Graham Nash maintains Social Conscience and talks about how he has never wavered in his political views"


Posted 15 years ago by calypsus_1    [ Reply ]
I'm not sure who is more impressive; Graham Nash or Bill our DJ.
Posted 15 years ago by cohifi    [ Reply ]
 philbertr wrote:


Thanks for this bit of history!  Buts both this and Blue in a whole new perspective!
 
Agreed!  What a tribute to the strong love they must have felt....

Posted 15 years ago by Pyro    [ Reply ]
 jagdriver wrote:
Sorry... not my cup 'o tea. Never much cared for GN's lead vocals, much preferring his harmonies on David Gilmore's On An Island, CSN, CSNY, and early Hollies' hits.
 
Hey, thanks for that heads up....I have On An Island, but need to listen again, now that I know GN is singing harmonies!!

Posted 15 years ago by Pyro    [ Reply ]
 meower wrote:
he wrote this when he & joni mitchell broke up. and she wrote the entire blue album

 

Thanks for this bit of history!  Buts both this and Blue in a whole new perspective!
Posted 15 years ago by philbertr    [ Reply ]
This simplicity of the instrumentation and the vocal delivery are perfect.  The harmonies?  Sublime.  Could also be the memories I have of this time in music history....
Posted 15 years ago by Pyro    [ Reply ]

Can this really still sound so fresh 30+ years later?



Posted 15 years ago by JKFinally    [ Reply ]
 jagdriver wrote:
MUTE
 

Your loss.
Posted 15 years ago by philbertr    [ Reply ]
One of my all time favs...
Posted 15 years ago by CCinSB    [ Reply ]
MUTE
Posted 15 years ago by jagdriver    [ Reply ]
cathenley wrote:
I use to have this album...


I Cat, I still do! hope you are good.

Posted 15 years ago by CCinSB    [ Reply ]
I use to have this album...

Posted 15 years ago by cathenley    [ Reply ]
work comes to a stop...
Posted 16 years ago by onerb    [ Reply ]
How nice to hear this. Like the others, haven't heard it in many, many years. I have this album but the vinyl doesn't get pulled out very often!
Posted 16 years ago by Tana    [ Reply ]
chills...
Posted 16 years ago by Cissy    [ Reply ]
Simple and beautiful
Posted 16 years ago by CCinSB    [ Reply ]

 

 Cheers!  -    ** 10 **



Posted 16 years ago by calypsus_1    [ Reply ]
Gee, Bill, haven't heard this in a couple of decades  - at least.  Thanks for playing one of those songs that makes me close my office door, turn up the volume, and think of people and places from long ago...
Posted 16 years ago by NickDanger    [ Reply ]
Sorry... not my cup 'o tea. Never much cared for GN's lead vocals, much preferring his harmonies on David Gilmore's On An Island, CSN, CSNY, and early Hollies' hits.
Posted 16 years ago by jagdriver    [ Reply ]
Thank you, Bill!  I haven't heard Graham in years—this is wonderful!
Posted 16 years ago by philbertr    [ Reply ]
{#Daisy}{#Sunny}
Posted 16 years ago by CCinSB    [ Reply ]

 

 be simple; "everything what is simple is huge" -  

** 10 **



Posted 16 years ago by calypsus_1    [ Reply ]
buddy wrote:
An outstanding LP!
True! What a blast! haven't heard this in prob 30 years! Most sincere thanks, loved this album so much! All his buddies on back-up, fabulous!
Posted 16 years ago by nigelr    [ Reply ]
steeler wrote:
What a gem; an overlooked gem. Graham Nash has never received the credit he was due.
Damn straight!
Posted 17 years ago by victoryluna    [ Reply ]
pretty cool how he put so much effort into getting Dave C. cleaned up when DC had different plans. Nice to have friends like that.
Posted 17 years ago by Wizzuvvoz    [ Reply ]
just want to hold you dont want to hold you down.
Posted 17 years ago by CCinSB    [ Reply ]
steeler wrote:
What a gem; an overlooked gem. Graham Nash has never received the credit he was due.
From a Buddhist perspective, that's impossible. Everyone gets their due. One assumes he'll collect his credit in his next incarnation.
Posted 17 years ago by Odyzzeuz    [ Reply ]
Beautiful song, just like everything Nash wrote, but this is not the original version
Posted 17 years ago by jazo    [ Reply ]
Wish there were more songs put together as well as this one is.
Posted 17 years ago by 2Hawks    [ Reply ]
he wrote this when he & joni mitchell broke up. and she wrote the entire blue album
Posted 17 years ago by meower    [ Reply ]
What a gem; an overlooked gem. Graham Nash has never received the credit he was due.
Posted 17 years ago by steeler    [ Reply ]
Beautiful song. A fav.
Posted 17 years ago by CCinSB    [ Reply ]
One of my faves from way back.
Posted 17 years ago by Ubaldo    [ Reply ]
agree with you Bill....I love this song and thought it was a great opener for the movie.....
Posted 17 years ago by nance    [ Reply ]