Mama told me when I was young
"Come sit beside me, my only son
And listen closely to what I have to say
And if you do this it'll help you some sunny day"

"Oh, take your time and don't live too fast
Troubles will come and troubles will pass
You'll find a woman and you'll find love
And don't forget, son, there is someone way up above"

"And be a simple kind of man
Be something you love, 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
And all I want for you, my son, is to be satisfied"

"And be a simple kind of man
Be something you love, you love and understand
Baby, be a simple kind of man
Oh, won't you do this for me, son, if you can"

"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
And all I want for you, my son, is to be satisfied"

"And be a simple kind of man
Won't you do this for me, son, if you can
Be a simple kind of man
Be something you love, you love and understand"