Don Williams - Back To The Simple Things Lyrics
Lyrics
It' so easy to get all caught up
In the fast pace of this modern age
Makes you wonder if were making progress
Or just losing who we are along the way
I've been trying to figure out
How to dial it back and slow it down
Can't be as complicated as it seems
The heart of me loves yesterday
So pardon me now while I make
My way back to the simple things
If you call me I may not answer
Might not get back to you for quite a while
I'll be fishin' with my family
Cause livin' in the moments more my style
I've been trying to figure out
How to dial it back and slow it down
Can't be as complicated as it seems
The heart of me loves yesterday
So pardon me now while I make
My way back to the simple things
Tonight I'm turnin' off the TV
Watch the stars out for a change
Sit on the front porch with my baby
Rockin' all the way
Maybe that'll help me figure out
How to dial it back and slow it down
Can't be as complicated as it seems
The heart of me loves yesterday
So pardon me now while I make
My way back to the simple things
Video
Don Williams - Back To The Simple Things (Official Audio)
Meaning & Inspiration
Don Williams' "Back To The Simple Things," released on January 1, 2014, as a standout track from his album "Reflections," offers a profoundly resonant commentary on the often-overlooked cost of modern living. In an era where constant connectivity and relentless progress are celebrated, this song serves as a gentle yet firm invitation to pause, reflect, and re-evaluate our priorities. It’s a quiet rebellion against the tyranny of urgency, a lyrical journey back to what truly sustains the human spirit.
The song’s narrative unfolds as a candid confession from one who feels the pull of the world’s frantic current but chooses, with intentionality, to swim against it. The opening lines immediately confront the paradox of our age: are we truly making progress, or are we merely losing our authentic selves amidst the technological noise and social demands? This question echoes a timeless biblical admonition found in Mark 8:36, where Jesus asks, "For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul?" Williams’ contemplation about "losing who we are along the way" speaks directly to the erosion of identity that can occur when our worth becomes tied to productivity, possessions, or external validation rather than an inner peace rooted in God’s design.
The core message of the song is a heartfelt desire to "dial it back and slow it down," a yearning for a life less complicated. This sentiment finds deep accord with the wisdom literature of Scripture. Proverbs 14:30 reminds us that "a tranquil heart gives life to the flesh," directly contrasting with the anxiety and stress often engendered by a fast-paced existence. The longing for "yesterday" isn't a call for regressive living, but rather a profound recognition that certain fundamental truths—the value of rest, the richness of unhurried presence—have been overshadowed. It’s a spiritual yearning for the kind of peace described in Philippians 4:6-7, urging us to "be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
As the song progresses, it moves from introspection to declaration, detailing concrete steps toward embracing simplicity. The decision to potentially forgo immediate responses to calls, opting instead to go "fishin' with my family," is a powerful statement of commitment to relational priorities. This beautifully illustrates the biblical emphasis on family and presence. Deuteronomy 6:6-7 instructs us to diligently teach God's commands to our children, implying a life lived in shared moments, not hurried fragments. The act of "livin' in the moment" aligns perfectly with Matthew 6:34, which encourages us not to worry about tomorrow, "for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." It's a call to trust God for our daily bread and find contentment in the present blessings He provides, as echoed in 1 Timothy 6:6-8.
The third verse further solidifies this intentional shift, describing simple, yet profound, acts of disconnection and reconnection: "Tonight I'm turnin' off the TV, Watch the stars out for a change, Sit on the front porch with my baby, Rockin' all the way." This deliberate turning away from manufactured entertainment to engage with God's creation speaks volumes. Psalm 19:1 proclaims, "The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork," inviting us to find wonder and perspective in the natural world. Sharing such moments with loved ones fosters deep communion, fulfilling the spirit of Hebrews 10:24-25, which encourages us to "consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together... but encouraging one another."
"Back To The Simple Things" is more than just a nostalgic country song; it's an enduring anthem for spiritual well-being in a complex world. It challenges us to actively choose a life less encumbered, where true riches are found not in accumulation but in appreciation, not in speed but in stillness, and not in societal affirmation but in authentic connection with God, creation, and one another. The song ultimately inspires us to embrace the timeless wisdom that often the greatest blessings are indeed the most simple, readily available graces we so often overlook in our hurried quest for more.