About the Song
In the realm of Southern rock, few songs hold as much legendary status as “Free Bird” by Lynyrd Skynyrd. Released in 1973 as the title track of their debut album, this epic nine-minute ballad has become an enduring symbol of the genre, revered for its soaring guitar solos, impassioned vocals, and poignant lyrics.
Lynyrd Skynyrd, a band hailing from Jacksonville, Florida, captured the essence of Southern rock with their blend of bluesy riffs, hard-driving rhythms, and unapologetic storytelling. “Free Bird” epitomizes their sound, showcasing their musical prowess and lyrical depth. The song’s opening piano chords, reminiscent of a Southern church hymn, set the stage for Ronnie Van Zant’s soulful vocals, which weave a tale of longing, freedom, and the unyielding spirit of the South.
“Free Bird” is a Southern rock anthem in its truest form. It celebrates the individual’s desire for liberty, the resilience of the human spirit, and the enduring power of music. The song’s extended guitar solos, courtesy of Allen Collins and Gary Rossington, are nothing short of legendary, showcasing the virtuosity of Southern rock guitar.
Lynyrd Skynyrd’s live performances of “Free Bird” were particularly renowned, often stretching to over fifteen minutes of pure musical ecstasy. The song would typically conclude their sets, leaving audiences in a state of emotional catharsis.
“Free Bird” has transcended its status as a mere song; it has become an emblem of Southern rock and a cultural touchstone. Its influence can be heard in countless bands that followed in Lynyrd Skynyrd’s footsteps, and its lyrics have been etched into the hearts of generations of fans.
More than just a song, “Free Bird” is an experience, a journey through the depths of human emotion and the unyielding spirit of the South. It is a testament to the power of music to unite, inspire, and leave an indelible mark on the world.
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Lyrics: Free Bird
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 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.
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,
Though this feeling I can’t change.
But please don’t take it so badly,
‘Cause 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.
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?