Released: 2017
Chris Stapleton’s ‘A Simple Song’ is a heartfelt ballad that captures the everyday struggles and joys of a working-class life. The song is a celebration of simplicity and contentment, despite life’s hardships and disappointments.
In the opening verse, Stapleton talks about the difficulty of finding good news and feeling stuck in his job on the factory line. This sets the tone for the song, painting a picture of a life that’s hard but honest.
The phrase ‘wet a line’ is a common slang in the country world, meaning to go fishing. Here, Stapleton’s mom suggests he should spend some quality time with his ailing father, but he just can’t seem to find the time.
Despite the struggles, Stapleton expresses his love for his life in the chorus. He finds joy in the simple things – his kids, his dogs, his partner. Even when things go wrong, he finds solace in the ‘sound of a slow, simple song’.
The second verse introduces more challenges – money troubles, a broken truck, a distant brother, and an addiction to cigarettes. Yet, Stapleton’s tone remains hopeful and content.
The line ‘Sister got laid off last fall, and I got high cholesterol’ further emphasizes the hardships faced. However, the repetition of the chorus underscores Stapleton’s resilience and ability to find happiness amidst these challenges.
In essence, ‘A Simple Song’ is a testament to finding joy in the simple things, despite life’s trials and tribulations. It’s a powerful reminder that happiness can be found in the most ordinary of circumstances, and that’s the beauty of country music.
