Simple Man
Linda Ronstadt Lyrics


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What if I fall in love with you
Just like normal people do
Well maybe I'd kill you
Or maybe I'd be true

When I go down to get a job sometime
It seems people can read my mind
And make money disappear
While they're talking sweet and kind

Well in some ways I am like a child
You never seemed to know it
And if a kind word ever crossed your mind
You never tried to show it

Well in some ways I am like a child
You never seemed to know it
And if a kind word ever crossed your mind
You never tried to show it

When people don't know what you mean
They may laugh at you and call you green
They'll say your words are stupid
And your plans are only schemes

Truth is simple
But seldom ever seen




Let nothing come between
Simple man, simple dream

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Linda Ronstadt's song "Simple Man Simple Dream" lyrically touch upon the precarious nature of love, the oddities of navigating the job market, and the struggle of being misunderstood. The opening line, "What if I fall in love with you // Just like normal people do // Well maybe I'd kill you // Or maybe I'd be true" is a reflection of the fear of heartbreak and how it can lead one to behave in unexpected ways. This sentiment is juxtaposed against the realities of everyday life, where pursuing a job while being one's authentic self can be challenging, and often results in people taking advantage of others. Ronstadt paints employment as a space where the truth is twisted and exploited against one's own interests. She sings, "It seems people can read my mind // And make money disappear // While they're talking sweet and kind."


The following stanzas touch on the loneliness of being a misunderstood individual which can lead to emotional turmoil. Ronstadt sings, "You never seemed to know it // And if a kind word ever crossed your mind // You never tried to show it." Though she goes on to sing, "Truth is simple // But seldom ever seen // Let nothing come between // Simple man, simple dream", reinforcing the idea that being true to oneself is all that matters in the end.


Line by Line Meaning

What if I fall in love with you
This line expresses uncertainty about what would happen if the singer falls in love with someone.


Just like normal people do
The singer is acknowledging that falling in love is a common and normal experience for most people.


Well maybe I'd kill you
This line suggests that the singer has some inner turmoil about what falling in love might do to them.


Or maybe I'd be true
Despite the uncertainty expressed in the previous line, the artist recognizes that there is potential for them to be genuine and faithful in a relationship.


When I go down to get a job sometime
The artist is describing a scenario where they are job hunting.


It seems people can read my mind
The singer feels like others can anticipate their thoughts and intentions, making it difficult for them to find work.


And make money disappear
The singer suspects that potential employers are swindling money from them without their knowledge.


While they're talking sweet and kind
This line suggests that employers are using flattery to deceive the artist.


Well in some ways I am like a child
This line expresses the artist's recognition that they have some childlike qualities or tendencies.


You never seemed to know it
The artist suggests that others are not aware of their childlike qualities.


And if a kind word ever crossed your mind
The singer is suggesting that others don't often think or say kind words to them.


You never tried to show it
Even when others have kind thoughts, the artist feels they are not acted upon or displayed.


When people don't know what you mean
The singer is describing a situation where others may not understand their intentions or communication.


They may laugh at you and call you green
When people don't understand the singer, they may ridicule or belittle them for being inexperienced or naĂŻve.


They'll say your words are stupid
Others may criticize the singer's ideas or suggestions as being foolish or unsophisticated.


And your plans are only schemes
Others may view the artist's attempts to achieve goals as dishonest or underhanded.


Truth is simple
The artist is suggesting that honesty and sincerity are uncomplicated attributes.


But seldom ever seen
The singer recognizes that honesty is a trait that is not often displayed or valued in others.


Let nothing come between
The singer is suggesting that no obstacle or barrier should prevent the display of honesty and sincerity.


Simple man, simple dream
This phrase encapsulates the artist's desire for a simple, uncomplicated life.




Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: JOHN DAVID SOUTHER

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

SHARON YOUNG

One of The Best Female Vocalists, Ever!🌸

William Owsley

One of?

Maria H

My late husband would play his guitar while i sang Linda's songs...lots of good and missed memories.

Donna Vorbach

God Bless you both!

Alex Tuhuteru

❤

Ralph Stiebel

Brings back so many memories of my first marriage, home and growing up country.

Barbara L.H.

I love her voice

Harry

Spent allot of nights falling in love with Linda , listening to her amazing voice and staring at the record cover

M Griffin

it's wonderful to hear Linda sing simple man and the band hit just the right note too.... perfect

martin chan

Brings back memory of the first girl I dated. the year was 1983. A great song generally overlooked. Love the lyrics.

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