Nina Simone - Sinnerman May 2026

Crying to the Lord: Nina Simone's "Sinnerman" - VoegelinView

: Some critics view the song as an exploration of identity and the "creative destruction" required for personal growth and transformation. Nina Simone - Sinnerman

: The recording features Simone on piano and vocals, Al Schackman and Rudy Stevenson on guitar, Lisle Atkinson on double bass, and Bobby Hamilton on drums. Crying to the Lord: Nina Simone's "Sinnerman" -

: The lyrics draw heavily from the Book of Exodus and Psalm 78 , depicting a sinner attempting to hide from God’s wrath on Judgment Day. The sinner seeks refuge in "the rock," "the river," and "the sea," only to find no place to hide. The sinner seeks refuge in "the rock," "the

: A notable highlight is the vocal breakdown where Simone and her band chant "power" in a raw, emotional call-and-response. Meaning and Themes

: Clocking in at over 10 minutes, the song features dramatic shifts in intensity, including a famous middle section characterized by rhythmic hand-claps and pulsing piano.