Simple Kind Of Life

"Simple Kind of Life" is a pop rock ballad written by Gwen Stefani for No Doubt's fourth album Return of Saturn. The song contrasts Stefani's desire to settle down and start a family with her commitment to the band. It received positive reviews from music critics, who noted the song's somber melody and raw lyrics. "Simple Kind of Life" was released as the album's third single in June 2000. It became the most successful American single from Return of Saturn, but had little international success. The accompanying music video illustrates the song's themes of marriage and family.

For a long time I was in love Not only in love, I was obsessed With a friendship that no one else could touch It didn't work out, I'm covered in shells And all I wanted was the simple things A simple kind of life And all I needed was a simple man So I could be a wife I'm so ashamed, I've been so mean I don't know how it got to this point I always was the one with all the love You came along, I'm hunting you down Like a sick domestic abuser looking for a fight And all I wanted was the simple things A simple kind of life If we met tomorrow for the very first time Would it start all over again? Would I try to make you mine? I always thought I'd be a mom Sometimes I wish for a mistake The longer that I wait the more selfish that I get You seem like you'd be a good dad Now all those simple things Are simply too complicated for my life How'd I get so faithful to my freedom? A selfish kind of life When all I ever wanted was the simple things A simple kind of life