The rock band most famously known for the song “Free Bird” is Lynyrd Skynyrd. Lynyrd Skynyrd originally released “Free Bird” on their 1973 debut album “(Pronounced ‘Lĕh-‘nérd ‘Skin-‘nérd)”. The song quickly became a signature song and staple of their live shows, often played as the finale as audiences would chant “Free Bird!” to hear it. “Free Bird” is without a doubt the song Lynyrd Skynyrd is most associated with.
History of Lynyrd Skynyrd
Lynyrd Skynyrd was formed in Jacksonville, Florida in 1964 by high school friends Ronnie Van Zant, Allen Collins, and Gary Rossington. The band went through some early name and lineup changes before settling on Lynyrd Skynyrd in 1969, a mocking tribute to their high school gym teacher Leonard Skinner who constantly harassed the students about their long hair.
After building a local following, Lynyrd Skynyrd got their big break opening for The Who in 1973 on their Quadrophenia tour. They soon after released their debut album “(Pronounced ‘Lĕh-‘nérd ‘Skin-‘nérd)” which featured “Free Bird” along with southern rock classics like “Simple Man” and “Tuesday’s Gone”. The album brought the band critical praise and launched them into stardom.
Over the next few years Lynyrd Skynyrd became one of the most popular live rock acts in the country, known for their three guitar attack and Van Zant’s powerful vocals. Tragedy struck in 1977 when a plane crash killed three members of the band including Ronnie Van Zant. The surviving members honorably decided to disband after the crash, reuniting ten years later with Ronnie’s younger brother Johnny Van Zant on lead vocals.
Lynyrd Skynyrd continues to record and tour to this day, keeping the spirit of the original band alive by frequently performing “Free Bird” and their many other hit songs for adoring fans worldwide.
Background and Meaning of “Free Bird”
“Free Bird” was written by Allen Collins and Ronnie Van Zant. According to legend, Van Zant was inspired to write it after a woman shouted “play Free Bird!” at one of their shows, though the true origins are uncertain.
The song is a sprawling epic at over 9 minutes long, beginning with a slow romantic opening sung by Van Zant before launching into a lengthy, face-melting guitar solo made famous by Collins. Thematically, it deals with a heartbroken narrator begging for the freedom to leave a relationship that’s not meant to be.
The title “Free Bird” is likely a metaphor representing the freedom the narrator longs for, while the chorus line “If I leave here tomorrow, would you still remember me?” underscores his sadness and feeling trapped in the relationship. The dramatic guitar solo could represent the narrator’s cry for freedom or escape.
Despite its sorrowful lyrical meaning, “Free Bird”‘s soaring guitar lines made it an anthemic, cathartic concert closer for Lynyrd Skynyrd audiences. Fans came to eagerly anticipate the song at shows, chanting for it as a rousing encore. This tradition cemented “Free Bird” as Lynyrd Skynyrd’s most legendary and beloved song.
Legacy and Pop Culture Significance
“Free Bird” occupies rarefied air as one of the most influential and recognizable rock songs of all time. In 2004, Rolling Stone magazine ranked it #193 on their list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. The guitar solo was voted #3 on Guitar World’s 100 Greatest Guitar Solos in 2008.
References to “Free Bird” are deeply embedded in pop culture as well. Some examples include:
– The song is featured in films like Forrest Gump, Kingsman: The Secret Service, and Elizabethtown.
– In the TV show Family Guy, wheelchair-bound police officer Joe Swanson is only able to say “Free Bird” due to his handicap.
– Fans of the band Phish traditionally chant “Free Bird” jokingly at their shows.
– “Free Bird” is playable in several video games like Guitar Hero and Rock Band.
– Will Ferrell sings a comedic rendition of “Free Bird” in the movie Talladega Nights.
– There are multiple Saturday Night Live skits parodying fans clamoring for “Free Bird.”
After 50 years, calling out “Free Bird!” remains a surefire way to get a reaction at any rock music event. For Lynyrd Skynyrd, it is the song that defined their career and cemented their immortal legend in rock and roll history.
Lyrics to “Free Bird”
If I leave here tomorrow Would you still remember me? For I must be travelling on, now 'Cause there's too many places I've got to see But, if I stayed here with you, girl Things just couldn't be the same 'Cause I'm as free as a bird now And this bird you cannot change Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh And this bird you cannot change And this bird you cannot change Lord knows, I can't change Bye, bye, baby it's been a sweet love Yeah, yeah Though this feeling I can't change But please don't take it badly 'Cause the lord knows I'm to blame But, if I stayed here with you girl Things just couldn't be the same Cause I'm as free as a bird now And this bird you'll never change Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh And this bird you cannot change And this bird you cannot change Lord knows, I can't change Lord help me, I can't change Lord, I can't change Won't you fly high, free bird, yeah
Conclusion
In summary, Lynyrd Skynyrd is indelibly tied to their most enduring song “Free Bird”, a complex ballad about heartbreak that features one of rock’s greatest guitar solos. It elevated them to fame in the 1970s and remains deeply ingrained in pop culture today. For generations past and present, screaming “Free Bird!” is the ultimate homage to both Lynyrd Skynyrd’s legacy and rock music itself.