Lynyrd Skynyrd – Free Bird – 1973

About The Song

“Free Bird” is a classic rock song by Lynyrd Skynyrd, released in 1973. Known for its iconic guitar solos and powerful vocals, the song has become a rock anthem. Here are five facts about “Free Bird”:

Album Release: “Free Bird” is the final track on Lynyrd Skynyrd’s debut album, “pronounced ‘lĕh-‘nérd ‘skin-‘nérd,” which was released on August 13, 1973. The song became one of the band’s signature pieces.
Length and Structure: One of the most distinctive features of “Free Bird” is its extended length. The original studio version is over nine minutes long, with a prominent piano intro leading into the iconic guitar solos that characterize the latter part of the song.
Guitar Solos: The triple guitar solo, performed by guitarists Gary Rossington, Allen Collins, and Ed King, is a defining element of “Free Bird.” The extended guitar improvisation has become legendary in the world of rock music.
Lyrics and Theme: The song’s lyrics, written by Ronnie Van Zant, explore themes of love, freedom, and independence. The title “Free Bird” itself is a metaphor for liberation and breaking free from constraints.
Cultural Impact: “Free Bird” has had a significant impact on popular culture and is often cited as one of the greatest rock songs of all time. The song gained even more prominence after the tragic plane crash in 1977 that claimed the lives of several Lynyrd Skynyrd members, including Ronnie Van Zant. The surviving band members have continued to perform “Free Bird” as a tribute to their fallen colleagues.

Video

Lyrics

If I leave here tomorrow
Would you still remember me?
For I must be traveling on now
‘Cause there’s too many places I’ve got to see

But if I stay 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
And the bird you cannot change
And this bird, you cannot change
Lord knows, I can’t change

Bye-bye baby, it’s been sweet love, yeah, yeah
Though this feelin’ I can’t change
But please don’t take it so badly
‘Cause Lord knows, I’m to blame

But if I stay 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
And the 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