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Procol Harum — Simple Sister
Album: Broken Barricades
Avg rating:
6.9

Your rating:
Total ratings: 740









Released: 1970
Length: 5:45
Plays (last 30 days): 0
Simple Sister
Got Whooping Cough
Have to burn her toys
Take her treats
Eat her sweets
Scare off all the boys

Simple Sister
Got Whooping Cough
Have to put her out
Wear her clothes
Steal her bows
Tell her that she's stout

Simple Sister
Got Whooping Cough
Lock her in a cell
Throw the key
Into the sea
Hope she never gets well
Comments (119)add comment
 below72 wrote:

you fool... this tune was recorded long before 25or6 -
in addition - it's Robin Trower playing that riff...so there's that.
Time for bed now, bozo.


"25 or 6 to 4" was released in 1969, this album was released in 1970.
 justin4kick wrote:
Seems like the guitar player is trying to play Chicago's 25 or 6 to 4 riff but he can't find the right notes.
 
you fool... this tune was recorded long before 25or6 -
in addition - it's Robin Trower playing that riff...so there's that.
Time for bed now, bozo.
'Procul Harum' -
Latin for -
' Leaves you wanting more - - - of something ELSE. '
This summer again in Zoetermeer, The Netherlands. Good old Gary

 
{#Guitarist} guitar intro always reminds me of mott the hoople's mama's little jewel / rock on
They laid the foundation for quite a lot of future rockers, for sure! Truly, this is a frame from a reel from deep within the vaults of Time...
Dang but Trower can really bring it.
 justin4kick wrote:
Seems like the guitar player is trying to play Chicago's 25 or 6 to 4 riff but he can't find the right notes.

 
 markybx wrote:

So, maybe it's a different riff.

 
That's a crazy theory, man.
{#Propeller} 
 hayduke2 wrote:
is there an emoji for a Bic lighter man,  wooo-hoooo

 
"candle" is as close as it gets:  ðŸ•¯
{#Fever}
is there an emoji for a Bic lighter man,  wooo-hoooo
 justin4kick wrote:
Seems like the guitar player is trying to play Chicago's 25 or 6 to 4 riff but he can't find the right notes.

 
So, maybe it's a different riff.
I saw Gary and the boys two summers ago in an outdoor venue south of Philadelphia.  Simply amazing.  SS was outstanding!
 Daddy_Twist wrote:
brilliant segue from Black Rebel Motorcylce Club!

 
so good they did it again this morning
 caregiver wrote:

Trower.       {#Cool}

 



 
Right on man  : )
Great album, exceptional guitar work from Mr. Trower.
Timeless classic! {#Drummer}
Seems like the guitar player is trying to play Chicago's 25 or 6 to 4 riff but he can't find the right notes.
Sound of its time. 
What does this remind me of?
Procol Harum had more than one song?  I would have never known if it wasn't for RP.
super cool.

Trower.       {#Cool}

 


awesome
 Gregorama wrote:
One of the greatest voices in rock of his generation.
 
CERTAINLY!!
 gypsyman wrote:
simple sister was just always a girl everybody knew....in fact, when this would play, we'd start counting.... {#Yes}

 
Such girls would deal with a Gypsy like you...? Doubt it!
simple sister was just always a girl everybody knew....in fact, when this would play, we'd start counting.... {#Yes}
This song is just contributing to the sludge in my speakers...
brilliant segue from Black Rebel Motorcylce Club!
 RobRyan wrote:

Shine On Brightly?

"Still my befuddled brain, shines on brightly, quite insane"

Love the lyrics. 

 
True Dat Mr. Ryan(which is my real name....first name Bob).....whoooooooooooooo! and we both like Procol Harum.Scary!
Mighty fine selection from the heavy-riff sub-genre.  Thanks RP!!
epic!
Saw them in 1972. They were awesome. Leo Kottke opened for them. He was fantastic as usual. It was great when he came out and played with them for an encore. Crazy!
They are playing here in Seattle this coming Sunday. They are opening for YES! I should go see them both for old times sake. Love Brooker!!
One of the greatest voices in rock of his generation.
Thank heavens it isn't 'Whiter Shade of Pale'....whew!
oh man. i love this band.
Not a fan, this is kind of painful to listen to...
 dougmbrown wrote:
Wasn't Homburg another Procol Harum song that rocked?
 
Homburg didn't rock all that much but Whiskey Train kicks


Reminds me that evenpretentious rock groups of the era - on which I was strongly hooked at the time - could rock out. Wasn't Homburg another Procol Harum song that rocked? Play that too. And in the same vein, Yours is No Disgrace (by Yes). Thanks Bill!
 boober wrote:

Salty Dog?
 
Shine On Brightly?

"Still my befuddled brain, shines on brightly, quite insane"

Love the lyrics. 

Really nice to hear this again.
10, without questions. Thanx for RP.
 len17 wrote:

Totally Awesome, I’ve almost forgotten how great music use to be!!

 
Yep...oh wow...I use to live in Danville!
TROWER!!  DUDE

LOL.  Brooker! doesn't quite have the same ring to it.

Great song!!

All I  could hear was the guitar riff in the noisy coffeeshop—-liked the riff.
 crockydile wrote:
A little bombastic for my tastes. {#No}
 

I should have scrolled down before commenting.  Anyway, I agree.   {#Yes}   {#No}
It's been reported that whooping cough has made a virulent return down here these days.
Bombastic.
 teadye wrote:
I remember seeing them play in a high school gym... maybe '74? They were a mess and could hardly play. Very sad. I saw Dickie Betts the same year and the same thing. Double sad.
 

I saw you in 74 and you were a mess too...!
(Just kidding!)

PS
Despite great drums and guitar,
90% of Harum was and is Brooker's voice!

I remember seeing them play in a high school gym... maybe '74? They were a mess and could hardly play. Very sad. I saw Dickie Betts the same year and the same thing. Double sad.
Wow. I don't think I'd heard that one in close to 4 decades.  What a powerful song. 
 tfodden wrote:

didn't know that Procol Harum got any airplay.  Good to hear.
 

They wore Whiter Shade of Pale out.  Always one of my favorite bands, saw them in an ampitheatre one night in the early 70's. Excellent.
I just seen these guys last night open for Jethro Tull. They where really good.
 George_Tirebiter wrote:
Possible my favorite Harum album - I was in San Diego in the late 60's and early 70's and this ws getting a lot of airplay.  Good stuff!{#Notworthy}
 
didn't know that Procol Harum got any airplay.  Good to hear.



Totally Awesome, I’ve almost forgotten how great music use to be!!



Love it !!!
Dude.  Trower!  LOL
Possible my favorite Harum album - I was in San Diego in the late 60's and early 70's and this ws getting a lot of airplay.  Good stuff!{#Notworthy}
Excellent! Makes me want to pull out my vinyl they did with the Edmonton Symphony or some such but then I wouldn't be listening to RP! Dang.
 martinc wrote:

Procol Harum also did an symphony album with the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra - 1971
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Procol_Harum_Live_with_the_Edmonton_Symphony_Orchestra
 
 
Yes, that's where the live recording for the single "Conquistador" was from.  Deep Purple did their album with The Royal Philharmonic.

A little bombastic for my tastes. {#No}
I thought she had a poopy car... but apparently not...

 
Relayer wrote:


Here are the lyrics....sad indeed.  I imagine it is about a girl who has TB in the 1800s and they family has to basically throw her away.

Simple Sister
Got Whooping Cough
Have to burn her toys
Take her treats
Eat her sweets
Scare off all the boys
Simple Sister
Got Whooping Cough
Have to put her out
Wear her clothes
Steal her bows
Tell her that she's stout
Simple Sister
Got Whooping Cough
Lock her in a cell
Throw the key
Into the sea
Hope she never gets well
 


Outstanding!
 

Another classic pillar of the 1970's rock sound, PH rocks! ...What memories. Great set!


 shutter wrote:

I believe you're thinking of Deep Purple.  Big album that kinda popularized the rock band / symphony collaboration
 
Procol Harum also did an symphony album with the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra - 1971
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Procol_Harum_Live_with_the_Edmonton_Symphony_Orchestra
 
 4merdj wrote:
Was this recorded with the London Philharmonic?
 
I believe you're thinking of Deep Purple.  Big album that kinda popularized the rock band / symphony collaboration

Oh no not another Procol Harum song ? I'm still working on the "Whiter Shade of Pale" lyrics ! {#Wink}
Great song, great band too.


 Essbee wrote:
Great, great, GREAT band. Plus, it's cool when nobody seems to have ever heard of them when I mention them...for some strange reason. Hey, does anyone know if there is a NON-live version of "Conquistador"? Always wondered...
 
Yes, I have the CD 'Pandora's Box" (https://www.procolharum.com/west_pand-alb.htm) contains a studio version of Conquistador. It also contains a longer (and better, IMHO) studio version of A Whither Shade of Pale. The whole CD is worth listening to. I (too) have always been under the impression PH is not as well-known as it should be ...

 mread wrote:
Top three PH tunes, in order:
1. (this gem)
2. Whiter Shade of Pale
3. Conquistador

And they had other great stuff, of course.

 
Salty Dog?

They just don't make'em the way they used to ...

Great band! {#Drummer}{#Bananajam}{#Boohoo}{#Dancingbanana_2}{#Guitarist}

Was this recorded with the London Philharmonic?

Yes, please play more "less-known" tracks from PH


 meadowwoods wrote:
cool!
 

Smokin' hot!
It is great to hear PH songs other than Whiter Shade of Pale (love that too, thou)!!!!  Conquistador next time?? Kewl!
Great, great, GREAT band. Plus, it's cool when nobody seems to have ever heard of them when I mention them...for some strange reason. Hey, does anyone know if there is a NON-live version of "Conquistador"? Always wondered...
cool!
OK, first time in my life I hear a different song from PH than "A whiter shade of pale".
Top three PH tunes, in order:
1. (this gem)
2. Whiter Shade of Pale
3. Conquistador

And they had other great stuff, of course.

I never knew Robin Trower was in PH until I read the comments today.  RP (and the listeners) are such a GREAT resource!

*edit* now that I know, I can really hear Trower....funny I never noticed before. NICE!


 Dave_Mack wrote:

I never thought about the words before.  Nasty stuff.  Do you know what it's supposed to be about?

 

Here are the lyrics....sad indeed.  I imagine it is about a girl who has TB in the 1800s and they family has to basically throw her away.

Simple Sister
Got Whooping Cough
Have to burn her toys
Take her treats
Eat her sweets
Scare off all the boys
Simple Sister
Got Whooping Cough
Have to put her out
Wear her clothes
Steal her bows
Tell her that she's stout
Simple Sister
Got Whooping Cough
Lock her in a cell
Throw the key
Into the sea
Hope she never gets well

 rrmusicguy wrote:
Really? On which song?
 
I would hazard to guess The W.A.N.D.

A great, overlooked album.
dagnabitt Bill....I must get ready for work!!
 RobRyan wrote:
Sensational song - I saw them in concert in '70 or '71 still remember the grand piano, tuxedo w/ tails, etc. Great show. This album has a lot of good stuff on it but I do like Simple Sister best. Only thing wrong is it's Wednesday and it hasn't been played since Friday! Cheery subject matter too.
 
I never thought about the words before.  Nasty stuff.  Do you know what it's supposed to be about?

check out that opening line! that is what is known as playing from your soul! not playing what will generate the most cash...{#Cowboy} this is the s....t that created the base line, along with hendrix, the who, cream, and the mighty, mighty, beatles....just let the boys play their tunes on occassion! {#Dance} big thumbs up, Bill!

theirishtickler wrote:
wow flaming lips totally ripped that beginning off
Really? On which song?
MM13 wrote:
No, as far as I know it was Deep Purple in 1969 with Concerto for group and orchestra. There is a difference though: Procol Harum played their existing songs with the orchestra, while the DP concerto was specially written by Jon Lord for the occasion
Or should we count the Moody Blues? Days of Future Passed was recorded with the London Festival orchestra in October 1967
Killer Band and a Killer Song. I love hearing Robin Trower in the lead solos. I love just about everything this band ever did. The Grand Hotel album is a great one too - a staple in my 8 track player back in the day. This band doesn't get nearly enough airplay or credit these days. Thanks for bringing them into the light.
Anything by the Procols won't get less than the absolute from me. Adore 'em
wow flaming lips totally ripped that beginning off
WOW!! I didn't know anyone but me ever played anything by Procol Harum but whiter shade of pale. No wonder I love Radio Paradise so much. BTW I sill have this on 8 track
jpfueler wrote:
all ya music historian types out there. . . Was Procol the first Rock band to play in concert with Philharmonic/Symphonic orchestras?
No, as far as I know it was Deep Purple in 1969 with Concerto for group and orchestra. There is a difference though: Procol Harum played their existing songs with the orchestra, while the DP concerto was specially written by Jon Lord for the occasion
Krow_Pie wrote:
When you play a riff enough times...
It was a pretty cool riff the first oh, ten times I heard it.
rtkmusic wrote:
Check out Whiskey Train!!
ooooh yes!!
ghcollins86 wrote:
Wow!! Haven't heard this in a looooong time!! Thanks!!
Yea, I can't REMEMBER when I last heard it, but it instantly clicked in my brain. Good Friday morning booster.
boober wrote:
Paul McCartney said this was his favorite band of all time....mine too!
Interesting. I can hear "She's so Heavy" in the instrumental break. This is really great! I've never heard this before.
When you play a riff enough times...
Gets old
publiceric wrote:
Interesting...never heard this song, but this is the first Procol Harum song I could actually hear the Robin Trower guitar signature that was so prominent on his solo work.
Check out Whiskey Train!!
all ya music historian types out there. . . Was Procol the first Rock band to play in concert with Philharmonic/Symphonic orchestras?
One Lesley on each side of the stage,both amplified,YES
excellent
Interesting...never heard this song, but this is the first Procol Harum song I could actually hear the Robin Trower guitar signature that was so prominent on his solo work.
boober wrote:
Paul McCartney said this was his favorite band of all time....mine too!
Wow, cool---I thought I was the only one (though this song caused of all kinds of amusement for my brother when we were in high school). Thanks for playing this, Bill!
It was all once bright jewels And glittering sand The oceans have ravaged And strangled the land Waste fills the temples, Dead daughters are born The presses are empty The editors torn Whose husband was the first to fall? Who died the worst death of them all? How many splinters in each separate band? How many stations in the final hand? Now gather up sea shells, And write down brave words Your prayers are unanswered, Your idols absurd The seaweed and the cobweb, Have rotted your sword Your barricades broken, Your enemies Lord.
Paul McCartney said this was his favorite band of all time....mine too!
Oh, yes!!
Wow!! Haven\'t heard this in a looooong time!! Thanks!!
Originally Posted by Relayer: Thank you for playing such a great song...you would NEVER hear this on any classic rock station.
We had a station here that would play this and many of the other more abcure classic rock tunes...unfotunately they changed to a format less chalenged by The Evil Empire. The other classic station, that would play this every so often, was bought out by Cirrus, I believe, and stopped playing good music. Thank the gods for Bill and RP!
Thank you for playing such a great song...you would NEVER hear this on any classic rock station.
:( Remember when you could hear this song on FM radio? Thanks Bill......
Love the guitar.
Sensational song - I saw them in concert in \'70 or \'71 still remember the grand piano, tuxedo w/ tails, etc. Great show. This album has a lot of good stuff on it but I do like Simple Sister best. Only thing wrong is it\'s Wednesday and it hasn\'t been played since Friday! Cheery subject matter too.
I wonder which one of the out of work music critics gave this a 1? Procol Harum is a 10 and will always be a 10.