Lynyrd Skynyrd is another band with which I am mostly unfamiliar. Sure, I know ‘Free Bird,’ mostly as a jokey thing to shout out at the end of a concert, but I’ve never heard one of their albums in full.
It appears the one to start with is, appropriately, their 1973 debut, helpfully titled Pronounced ‘Lĕh-‘nérd ‘Skin-‘nérd. This album, along with its follow-up Second Helping, are considered not just the band’s best work but among the best works of Southern Rock ever recorded.
Running just eight tracks, and closing out with the 9-minute epic ‘Free Bird,’ this is both a lean and expansive record, all tight grooves and extended guitar solos. Perfect driving music.
I doubt I’m going to start diving into the Lynyrd Skynyrd catalog, but listening to songs like ‘Gimme Three Steps’ and ‘Simple Man’ makes me feel like I should pay them at least a little more attention.
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’ll help you some sunny day”
[Break]
“Be a simple man”
[Verse 2]
Oh, take your time, don’t live too fast
Troubles will come and they will pass
You’ll find a woman, yea, you’ll find love
And don’t forget son, there is someone up above
[Chorus]
And be a simple kind of man
Oh be something you love and understand
Baby be a simple kind of man
Oh, won’t you do this for me son, if you can?
[Verse 3]
Forget your lust for the rich man’s gold
All that you need is in your soul
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
Oh be something you love and understand
Baby be a simple kind of man
Oh, won’t you do this for me son if you can?
[Bridge]
Oh yes I will
[Guitar Solo]
[Verse 4]
Boy, don’t you worry, you’ll find yourself
Follow your heart, lord, 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
Oh be something, you love and understand
Baby be a simple kind of man
Oh, won’t you do this for me son if you can?
[Outro]
Baby be a simple, be a simple man
Oh be something you love and understand
Baby be a simple kind of man
Meet Me In Montauk 
I also don’t know much from Lynyrd Skynyrd beyond “Free bird,” though I know today’s song because Daniel’s high school band (21 Hearts) played it.