Give Me the Simple Life
Mel Tormé & George Shearing Lyrics
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Why mess around with strife?
I never was cut out to step and strut out.
Give me the simple life.
Some find it pleasant dining on pheasant.
Those things roll off my knife,
Just serve me tomatoes, and mashed potatoes,
A cottage small is all I'm after,
Not one that's spacious and wide.
A house that rings with joy and laughter
And the ones you love inside.
Some like the high road, I like the low road,
Free from the care and strife.
Sounds corny and seedy, but yes, indeed-y,
Give me the simple life.
The lyrics of Mel Tormé & George Shearing's song Give Me the Simple Life reflect a deep-seated desire for a life that is uncomplicated and free from the troubles and anxieties that come with modern life. The opening line of the song, "I don't believe in frettin' and grievin', Why mess around with strife?" sets the tone for the rest of the song. The singer is someone who is looking for a simpler way of life, one that is free from the complications and stresses of modern society.
As the song progresses, the singer elaborates on what this simple life would look like. They don't need fancy food or expensive ingredients, just "tomatoes, and mashed potatoes." They don't need a big house or fancy possessions. All they need is a "cottage small" that is full of love and laughter.
Line by Line Meaning
I don't believe in frettin' and grievin',
I don't believe in worrying excessively or feeling sadness,
Why mess around with strife?
Why bother with conflict or problems?
I never was cut out to step and strut out.
I was never meant to be showy or flashy.
Give me the simple life.
I prefer a life with minimal complications or extravagance.
Some find it pleasant dining on pheasant.
Some people enjoy eating fancy or luxurious food like pheasant.
Those things roll off my knife,
But I don't care for those kinds of things.
Just serve me tomatoes, and mashed potatoes,
I'm happy with simple, everyday foods like tomatoes and mashed potatoes.
Give me the simple life.
I prefer a life with minimal complications or extravagance.
A cottage small is all I'm after,
I don't need a big or fancy house.
Not one that's spacious and wide.
I don't want a house with a lot of space.
A house that rings with joy and laughter
What's important to me is a home filled with happiness and laughter.
And the ones you love inside.
And having the people I care about inside that home.
Some like the high road, I like the low road,
Some people prefer the path of success and achievement, but I prefer a simpler way of life.
Free from the care and strife.
I want a life without worry or conflict.
Sounds corny and seedy, but yes, indeed-y,
I know it may not sound glamorous or exciting, but it's what I truly want.
Give me the simple life.
I prefer a life with minimal complications or extravagance.
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: HARRY RUBY, RUBE BLOOM
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind