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"

 "Oh, take your time, don't live too fast

 Troubles will come and they will pass 

You'll find a woman and you'll find love 

And don't forget, son, there is someone up above" 

"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" 

"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"

 "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" 

Oh yes, I will "Boy, don't you worry, you'll find yourself

 Follow your heart 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"

 "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"

 Baby, be a simple, really simple man 

Oh, be something you love and understand

Baby, be a simple, kind of simple man