Simons’ Levers of Control (LoC) framework has been criticized for being conceptually and empirically evasive. Nevertheless, it has established itself as an influential perspective in both research and teaching within the field of management accounting and control. In this keynote address, I explore some of the reasons behind its widespread popularity. Furthermore, I discuss whether the LoC’s appeal is well-deserved, and whether it delivers what its adopters (including myself as a reluctant user) were seeking. Finally, I reflect on the potential future of the LoC: is it still part of a productive research agenda and does it still have the potential to inform practice?