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

Your rating:
Total ratings: 739









Released: 1970
Length: 5:42
Plays (last 30 days): 0
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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.
Posted 2 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
 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.
Posted 4 years ago by below72    [ Reply ]
'Procul Harum' -
Latin for -
' Leaves you wanting more - - - of something ELSE. '
Posted 6 years ago by sfyi2001    [ Reply ]
This summer again in Zoetermeer, The Netherlands. Good old Gary

 
Posted 6 years ago by strous    [ Reply ]
{#Guitarist} guitar intro always reminds me of mott the hoople's mama's little jewel / rock on
Posted 6 years ago by primm    [ Reply ]
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...
Posted 7 years ago by coloradojohn    [ Reply ]
Dang but Trower can really bring it.
Posted 7 years ago by bitbanger    [ Reply ]
 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} 
Posted 7 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
 hayduke2 wrote:
is there an emoji for a Bic lighter man,  wooo-hoooo

 
"candle" is as close as it gets:  ðŸ•¯
Posted 7 years ago by bseib    [ Reply ]
{#Fever}
Posted 7 years ago by mgkiwi    [ Reply ]
is there an emoji for a Bic lighter man,  wooo-hoooo
Posted 7 years ago by hayduke2    [ Reply ]
 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.
Posted 7 years ago by markybx    [ Reply ]
I saw Gary and the boys two summers ago in an outdoor venue south of Philadelphia.  Simply amazing.  SS was outstanding!
Posted 7 years ago by below72    [ Reply ]
 Daddy_Twist wrote:
brilliant segue from Black Rebel Motorcylce Club!

 
so good they did it again this morning
Posted 8 years ago by Skydog    [ Reply ]
 caregiver wrote:

Trower.       {#Cool}

 



 
Right on man  : )
Posted 8 years ago by hayduke2    [ Reply ]
Great album, exceptional guitar work from Mr. Trower.
Posted 8 years ago by bitbanger    [ Reply ]
Timeless classic! {#Drummer}
Posted 8 years ago by 4merdj    [ Reply ]
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.
Posted 8 years ago by justin4kick    [ Reply ]
Sound of its time. 
Posted 8 years ago by robertomiller    [ Reply ]
What does this remind me of?
Posted 9 years ago by westslope    [ Reply ]
Procol Harum had more than one song?  I would have never known if it wasn't for RP.
Posted 9 years ago by Imkirok    [ Reply ]
super cool.
Posted 9 years ago by blotto    [ Reply ]

Trower.       {#Cool}

 


Posted 10 years ago by caregiver    [ Reply ]
awesome
Posted 10 years ago by hayduke2    [ Reply ]
 Gregorama wrote:
One of the greatest voices in rock of his generation.
 
CERTAINLY!!
Posted 10 years ago by Stingray    [ Reply ]
 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!
Posted 10 years ago by Stingray    [ Reply ]
simple sister was just always a girl everybody knew....in fact, when this would play, we'd start counting.... {#Yes}
Posted 11 years ago by DD gypsyman    [ Reply ]
This song is just contributing to the sludge in my speakers...
Posted 11 years ago by hollirg1    [ Reply ]
brilliant segue from Black Rebel Motorcylce Club!
Posted 11 years ago by Daddy_Twist    [ Reply ]
 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!
Posted 11 years ago by boober    [ Reply ]
Mighty fine selection from the heavy-riff sub-genre.  Thanks RP!!
Posted 11 years ago by spigolli    [ Reply ]
epic!
Posted 11 years ago by MoM$CooKin    [ Reply ]
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!!
Posted 11 years ago by pmikep    [ Reply ]
One of the greatest voices in rock of his generation.
Posted 11 years ago by Gregorama    [ Reply ]
Thank heavens it isn't 'Whiter Shade of Pale'....whew!
Posted 11 years ago by ziakut    [ Reply ]
oh man. i love this band.
Posted 11 years ago by lily34    [ Reply ]
Not a fan, this is kind of painful to listen to...
Posted 12 years ago by Merritt    [ Reply ]
 dougmbrown wrote:
Wasn't Homburg another Procol Harum song that rocked?
 
Homburg didn't rock all that much but Whiskey Train kicks


Posted 12 years ago by RockinBlueVoodoo    [ Reply ]
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!
Posted 12 years ago by dougmbrown    [ Reply ]
 boober wrote:

Salty Dog?
 
Shine On Brightly?

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

Love the lyrics. 

Posted 12 years ago by RobRyan    [ Reply ]
Really nice to hear this again.
Posted 13 years ago by jagdriver    [ Reply ]
10, without questions. Thanx for RP.
Posted 13 years ago by Netto    [ Reply ]
 len17 wrote:

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

 
Yep...oh wow...I use to live in Danville!
Posted 13 years ago by Shesdifferent    [ Reply ]
TROWER!!  DUDE

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

Great song!!

Posted 13 years ago by tbaloney619    [ Reply ]
All I  could hear was the guitar riff in the noisy coffeeshop—-liked the riff.
Posted 13 years ago by Giselle62    [ Reply ]
 crockydile wrote:
A little bombastic for my tastes. {#No}
 

I should have scrolled down before commenting.  Anyway, I agree.   {#Yes}   {#No}
Posted 13 years ago by Webfoot    [ Reply ]
It's been reported that whooping cough has made a virulent return down here these days.
Posted 13 years ago by ick    [ Reply ]
Bombastic.
Posted 13 years ago by Webfoot    [ Reply ]
 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!

Posted 13 years ago by Stingray    [ Reply ]
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.
Posted 13 years ago by teadye    [ Reply ]
Wow. I don't think I'd heard that one in close to 4 decades.  What a powerful song. 
Posted 13 years ago by Gregorama    [ Reply ]
 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.
Posted 13 years ago by ruthless    [ Reply ]
I just seen these guys last night open for Jethro Tull. They where really good.
Posted 13 years ago by parrothead    [ Reply ]
 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.


Posted 13 years ago by tfodden    [ Reply ]

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



Posted 13 years ago by len17    [ Reply ]
Love it !!!
Posted 13 years ago by kurtster    [ Reply ]
Dude.  Trower!  LOL
Posted 13 years ago by tfodden    [ Reply ]
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}
Posted 13 years ago by George_Tirebiter    [ Reply ]
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.
Posted 13 years ago by doctorfree    [ Reply ]
 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.

Posted 14 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
A little bombastic for my tastes. {#No}
Posted 14 years ago by crockydile    [ Reply ]
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
 


Posted 14 years ago by Nuance    [ Reply ]
Outstanding!
Posted 14 years ago by mirland    [ Reply ]
 

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


Posted 14 years ago by djaychicago    [ Reply ]
 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
 
Posted 14 years ago by martinc    [ Reply ]
 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

Posted 14 years ago by shutter    [ Reply ]
Oh no not another Procol Harum song ? I'm still working on the "Whiter Shade of Pale" lyrics ! {#Wink}
Posted 14 years ago by That_SOB    [ Reply ]
Great song, great band too.


Posted 14 years ago by EssexTex    [ Reply ]
 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 ...

Posted 14 years ago by 4merdj    [ Reply ]
 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?

Posted 14 years ago by boober    [ Reply ]

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


Posted 14 years ago by 4merdj    [ Reply ]
 meadowwoods wrote:
cool!
 

Smokin' hot!
Posted 14 years ago by Hannio    [ Reply ]
It is great to hear PH songs other than Whiter Shade of Pale (love that too, thou)!!!!  Conquistador next time?? Kewl!
Posted 14 years ago by beccab    [ Reply ]
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...
Posted 14 years ago by Essbee    [ Reply ]
cool!
Posted 14 years ago by meadowwoods    [ Reply ]
OK, first time in my life I hear a different song from PH than "A whiter shade of pale".
Posted 14 years ago by DrLex    [ Reply ]
Top three PH tunes, in order:
1. (this gem)
2. Whiter Shade of Pale
3. Conquistador

And they had other great stuff, of course.

Posted 14 years ago by mread    [ Reply ]
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!


Posted 15 years ago by Pyro    [ Reply ]
 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

Posted 15 years ago by Relayer    [ Reply ]
 rrmusicguy wrote:
Really? On which song?
 
I would hazard to guess The W.A.N.D.

Posted 15 years ago by acupunk    [ Reply ]
A great, overlooked album.
Posted 15 years ago by keller1    [ Reply ]
dagnabitt Bill....I must get ready for work!!
Posted 15 years ago by jpfueler    [ Reply ]
 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?

Posted 15 years ago by Dave_Mack    [ Reply ]
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!

Posted 15 years ago by redstorm    [ Reply ]
theirishtickler wrote:
wow flaming lips totally ripped that beginning off
Really? On which song?
Posted 15 years ago by rrmusicguy    [ Reply ]
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
Posted 15 years ago by prophetzarquon    [ Reply ]
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.
Posted 16 years ago by mamerjamer    [ Reply ]
Anything by the Procols won't get less than the absolute from me. Adore 'em
Posted 16 years ago by otto63    [ Reply ]
wow flaming lips totally ripped that beginning off
Posted 16 years ago by theirishtickler    [ Reply ]
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
Posted 16 years ago by Grizzly_old_man    [ Reply ]
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
Posted 16 years ago by MM13    [ Reply ]
Krow_Pie wrote:
When you play a riff enough times...
It was a pretty cool riff the first oh, ten times I heard it.
Posted 16 years ago by rockasaurus    [ Reply ]
rtkmusic wrote:
Check out Whiskey Train!!
ooooh yes!!
Posted 16 years ago by ruthless    [ Reply ]
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.
Posted 16 years ago by ronniegirl    [ Reply ]
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.
Posted 16 years ago by DoctorHooey    [ Reply ]
When you play a riff enough times...
Posted 16 years ago by Krow_Pie    [ Reply ]
Gets old
Posted 16 years ago by dpjag    [ Reply ]
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!!
Posted 16 years ago by rtkmusic    [ Reply ]
all ya music historian types out there. . . Was Procol the first Rock band to play in concert with Philharmonic/Symphonic orchestras?
Posted 16 years ago by jpfueler    [ Reply ]
One Lesley on each side of the stage,both amplified,YES
Posted 16 years ago by HazzeSwede    [ Reply ]
excellent
Posted 16 years ago by Deadwing    [ Reply ]
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.
Posted 16 years ago by publiceric    [ Reply ]
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!
Posted 16 years ago by moonbat    [ Reply ]
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.
Posted 16 years ago by healyf52    [ Reply ]
Paul McCartney said this was his favorite band of all time....mine too!
Posted 16 years ago by boober    [ Reply ]
Oh, yes!!
Posted 16 years ago by ruthless    [ Reply ]
Wow!! Haven\'t heard this in a looooong time!! Thanks!!
Posted 21 years ago by ghcollins86    [ Reply ]
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!
Posted 21 years ago by jpfueler    [ Reply ]
Thank you for playing such a great song...you would NEVER hear this on any classic rock station.
Posted 21 years ago by Relayer    [ Reply ]
:( Remember when you could hear this song on FM radio? Thanks Bill......
Posted 21 years ago by tdawg    [ Reply ]
Love the guitar.
Posted 21 years ago by Hannio    [ Reply ]
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.
Posted 21 years ago by RobRyan    [ Reply ]
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.
Posted 21 years ago by hippie    [ Reply ]