Nina Simone’s “Sinnerman” Lyrics Meaning

Succinctly put, Nina Simone’s “Sinnerman” is a gospel song. It is based on biblical precepts such as ‘sinners’ and Judgment Day. 

You can view the lyrics, alternate interprations and sheet music for Nina Simone's Sinnerman at Lyrics.org.

A “sinner”, especially within the context of this song, is someone who willfully and continuously disobeys the laws of God. Meanwhile Judgment Day is the divine moment of reckoning – a moment he will have to answer for this lifestyle. And Nina is basically telling such an individual that no matter where he decides to hide, judgment will indeed find them.

It has been put forth that this song has a general applicability outside of the context of Judgment Day, as in the singer condemning ‘sinners’ in general. However, it should be noted that some of the imagery presented therein, such as “the sea… bleeding”, were definitely borrowed from the Biblical depiction of Judgment Day.

 Conclusively the story being told in “Sinnerman” is one where the titular character tries to run from the judgment of God. Of course he woeful fails in his attempts to do so. He is therefore “captured” and instructed to “go to the devil”, who was actually anticipating his arrival.

In all, the narrator (Nina) is issuing a strong spiritual warning to all. According to her, on the Day of Judgment, there’ll be no hiding place for the sinner. She is therefore advising the sinner to change his ways before it gets too late.

Sinnerman lyrics by Nina Simone

Facts about “Sinnerman”

  • “Sinnerman” was originally written by Les Baxter (1922-1996) and Will Holt (1929-2015) in 1956. 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.
  • Nina Simone’s rendition is actually an extended version of the original. And why? Simply because hers is over 10 minutes in length (10:20 to be exact). Meanwhile Baxter and Holt’s version was three minutes and seven seconds.
  • Philips Records featured “Sinnerman”, which came out 1 October 1965, on Nina Simone’s album Pastel Blues. However, it is generally theorized that she had already been familiar with the song since childhood due to her mother, a Methodist minister, likely using it during revival meetings.
  • Production of the song was handled by Hal Mooney (1911-1995). Mooney was a renowned record producer who worked on a number Simone’s songs.
  • This track has been featured in a number of pop media throughout the years, perhaps most-notable amongst them being the 1999 remake of The Thomas Crown Affair.

19 Responses

  1. janelle says:

    as a fellow woman who has been raped several times (all by ‘trusted’ lovers) & who has had more miscarriages than ms simone, i feel she relates to these lyrics b/c of the deep hurt she had been put through. and another feeling i got out if it was loneliness.. feeling decepted. tricked. having not even the most organic beings to find.

    • Phantom says:

      I’m so sorry you had to go through that. God bless you.

      • Opus X says:

        I find a much deeper association as wicked slave masters told slaves that it was a sin to disobey their salve masters. Thus for a slave to escape captivity would be viewed as a sin according to their twisted interpretation of “Christianity”. Now listen deep to the lyrics again and feel the energy of the runaway slave, my ancestor. Aśe

    • Des says:

      Dear Janelle, take care. I survived sexual assault as well, and I remember listening to Sinnerman on repeat during some of my toughest days. My heart goes out to you. You are so cherished, appreciated and loved. Thank you for sharing your story.

    • John Daly says:

      I think you’re onto something. I am a quadriplegic. I was attacked by neo-Nazis at a demonstration. I think when she says power over and over again to the devil that she’s looking for the good and herself to cast out The devil. And I think running to the sea is a way to cleanse yourself before running to the lord

  2. Future Saviour says:

    Janelle nothing more to say, to said everything! Ohhh Sinnermans…

  3. Anonymous says:

    They’ve released a video on YouTube that depicts several runners and the man who is last, trying to catch up with the other runners. As the song progresses they show how he has lived by the 7 deadly sins from his present age going back to his childhood. It is a powerful message to us all that we have to repent our sins past as well as present.

  4. John says:

    What you’ve said is completely messed-up! I mean this from YOUR point of view and I’ am so sorry you have had to go through what you have. I do hope you’re in a better place and sincerely at that. 🙂

  5. Emma says:

    It’s really powerful to read these comments supporting you Janelle. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to take a moment in sympathy for your loss, and to give encouragement for your future. I wish you the best in your recovery. It makes me feel less lonely to know you’re out there! I’m so sorry you had to go through that. I just listened to Sinnerman and was wondering why she sings “Power!” at the end over and over.

  6. Sylvia says:

    Just heard the song sinnerman it caught my attention and reminded me of the songs that were in,the holiness church when I was getting saved the church would pray and sing over those who wanted to be saved and often times you would be surrounded by church members who formed a circle around you as you lay on the church floor working out your soul salvation

  7. Anonymous says:

    Is there any chance to be saved

    • There's An Answer says:

      There is indeed, the answer can be found in the book of Acts verses16:30-31.
      30 And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved?
      31 And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.

      • Stephanie says:

        Thank you for this information. I needed to read this. I’ve been a victim of child abuse and I trust too easily always looking for love and even though I am married I am befriending the wrong people over and over again. Its as if I keep searching for the betrayals I experienced as a child. However in doing so I see I’ve become the sucker for punishment for I am a sinner too. Ty

  8. Gt says:

    What is solution to change

  9. Anonymous says:

    Always

  10. just me says:

    🙂 i hear in the song the futility in counting on the so called loving God to take care of you, he will cast you away for being a “sinner”. How is that fitting a god? There is no hell where a God lives up to the promise of being almighty and loving. Dont fear God.

    • Loved says:

      There is no other deity that can deliver the love, forgiveness and salvation that our Lord God can. I pray you find him one day. He is waiting to love you.

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