Algebra teacher Derek Abrams is currently listening to “Simple Man” by Shinedown.
“I like this song because I like the genre, but also it’s a song about just having a simple life, being a simple man,” Abrams said. “I’m not too extravagant and my personality kind of blends with the song in that I just sometimes feel like I need to remind myself that we don’t have to get too complicated.”
“Simple Man” is a rock song with a simple melody and simple message to it. The song is a cover originally performed by Lynyrd Skynyrd. It talks about growing up in the South and being taught to not be extravagant. It encourages not to care about the wealth, power, and greed of the world and to be grateful for what is in front of you.
Shinedown formed in Florida in 2001, gaining an audience for its artistic and relatable lyric choice. Two years later, they released their first platinum-certified album, “Leave a Whisper.” Band members include Brent Smith, Zach Myers, Eric Bass, and Barry Kerch. Their music style can be considered as hard rock, pop rock, alternative rock, or alternative metal.
“I listen to a lot of their songs,” Abrams said. “Some of my favorite songs from them are the ‘Sound of Madness’ and ‘Symptom of Being Human’.”
Shinedown’s top song is ‘Sound of Madness,’ peaking at number one in June of 2009. Their next concert will be in Daytona Florida in 2025. They will be performing at the Welcome to Rockville Festival with Linkin Park, Green Day, and Korn.
You can listen to “Simple Man” by Shinedown on Spotify, Apple Music, Pandora, and YouTube Music.