Nina Simone - Sinnerman «2K 2026»

: The song is an African American traditional spiritual that dates back to the early 20th century.

: 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. 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. : The song is an African American traditional

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

"Sinnerman" is one of Nina Simone's most iconic and powerful recordings, serving as the 10-minute finale to her 1965 album Pastel Blues . A tour de force of jazz, soul, and gospel, the track is celebrated for its frenetic energy, complex arrangement, and Simone's impassioned vocal delivery. Origins and History

: Before recording it for Pastel Blues , Simone often used "Sinnerman" to close her sets in Greenwich Village, intending to "shake people up" so they would leave the club "in pieces". Musical Composition