Keep It Simple
Keb' Mo' Lyrics


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Two cars, three kids, six phones
A whole lot of confusion up here in my home
Five-hundred stations on the TV screen
Five-hundred versions of the same ol' thing

Y'all know it's crazy
And it's drivin' me insane
Well, I don't wanna be a superman
I just wanna go somewhere, use my hands
And keep it simple
Oh real simple

You know I called my doctor on the telephone
The lines were open, but there was nobody home
Press one, press two, press pound, press three
Why can't somebody just pick up the phone and talk to me?

Y'all know it's crazy
You know it's driving me insane
I don't wanna be a superman
I just wanna go somewhere, use my hands
And keep it simple
(Yes I do)
Real simple

(Play the blues)

Well I went down to the local coffee store
The menu went from the ceiling all the way down to the floor
Decaf, cappuccino, or latte said the cashier
I said gimme a small cup of coffee and let me get the hell up outta here

Y'all know it's crazy
Oh it's driving me insane
Well, I don't wanna be a superman
I just wanna go somewhere, use my hands
And keep it simple
Oh lord, real simple

Well now I don't wanna be a superman
I just wanna go somewhere, use my hands
And keep it simple




Real simple
Real simple

Overall Meaning

In "Keep It Simple," Keb' Mo' expresses his desire for a simpler life, away from the chaos and stress of modern-day living. He paints a picture of his household - "Two cars, three kids, six phones" - and the overwhelming number of options available to us today - "Five-hundred stations on the TV screen, Five-hundred versions of the same ol' thing." He finds it all crazy and maddening, yearning for something more straightforward.


He illustrates his frustrations with examples, such as calling the doctor on the phone and getting an automated menu instead of a live person to talk to. He goes to a coffee store where the menu is so long that it reaches the floor, yearning for a simple cup of coffee.


The chorus emphasizes his point that he doesn't wish to be a superhero, but rather wants a simpler life, where he can use his hands and not worry about infinite choices. The bluesy sound of the song adds to its theme of calm and simplicity.


Line by Line Meaning

Two cars, three kids, six phones
My home life is filled with chaos and confusion, with too many possessions and distractions.


A whole lot of confusion up here in my home
My mind is cluttered and overwhelmed by everything going on around me.


Five-hundred stations on the TV screen
There are too many options and choices presented to me at all times, making it hard to decide what to watch or do.


Five-hundred versions of the same ol' thing
Even with all these options, everything seems to be the same, lacking creativity or originality.


Y'all know it's crazy
Everyone can see that this lifestyle and mindset is not sustainable or healthy.


And it's drivin' me insane
This way of living is causing me real mental and emotional distress.


Well, I don't wanna be a superman
I don't want to feel like I have to do everything perfectly or have it all figured out.


I just wanna go somewhere, use my hands
I want to get away from all the technology and distractions, and do something tangible with my own two hands.


And keep it simple
I want to live a simpler and more straightforward life, without all the excess and clutter.


You know I called my doctor on the telephone
Even basic tasks like a phone call to my doctor are more complicated than they need to be.


The lines were open, but there was nobody home
Even when the phone lines are available, there's no one to actually pick up and answer my call.


Press one, press two, press pound, press three
Automated phone systems with too many options and instructions are frustrating and make it difficult to get through to a real person.


Why can't somebody just pick up the phone and talk to me?
All I want is some human interaction and connection, without all the technological barriers in the way.


Well I went down to the local coffee store
Even something as simple as ordering a cup of coffee can be overwhelming with too many choices and options.


The menu went from the ceiling all the way down to the floor
The number of coffee options presented is excessive and unnecessary.


I said gimme a small cup of coffee and let me get the hell up outta here
I just want a simple cup of coffee without all the fuss, so I can move on with my day.


Oh lord, real simple
I pray for a simpler, more grounded way of living and seeing the world around me.




Contributed by Hailey N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Angel Flores


on The Whole Enchilada (Bonus Acoustic)

You gon die if u put yo hands on me nigga

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