Meanwhile Baxter and Holt’s version was three minutes and seven seconds. And why? Simply because hers is over 10 minutes in length (10:20 to be exact). Nina Simone’s rendition is actually an extended version of the original.The reason this song is popularly said to have been derived from “traditional” sources is that they apparently incorporated lyrics which date as far back as at least the 1920s. “Sinnerman” was originally written by Les Baxter (1922-1996) and Will Holt (1929-2015) in 1956.She is therefore advising the sinner to change his ways before it gets too late. According to her, on the Day of Judgment, there’ll be no hiding place for the sinner. In all, the narrator (Nina) is issuing a strong spiritual warning to all. Instructed to “go to the devil”, who was actually anticipating his arrival. OfĬourse he woeful fails in his attempts to do so. One where the titular character tries to run from the judgment of God. Were definitely borrowed from the BiblicalĬonclusively the story being told in “Sinnerman” is

Noted that some of the imagery presented therein, such as “the sea… bleeding”, This song has a general applicability outside of the context of Judgment Day,Īs in the singer condemning ‘sinners’ in general. However, it should be Individual that no matter where he decides to hide, judgment will indeed find Judgment Day is the divine moment of reckoning – a moment he will have toĪnswer for this lifestyle. And Nina is basically telling such an Someone who willfully and continuously disobeys the laws of God. Meanwhile A “sinner”, especially within the context of this song, is

Sinner by simone