Is the legendary anthem “Free Bird” playing in your head, and you’re wondering who brought it to life? “Free Bird” is most famously sung by Lynyrd Skynyrd, and at payoffsong.com, we help artists and music enthusiasts navigate the landscape of iconic tracks, uncover potential commercial opportunities, and explore the nuances of music licensing, ensuring you can make the most of your musical endeavors. Are you ready to discover how this timeless track soared to the top and how you can profit from your music? Let’s explore the royalties, revenue streams, and brand partnerships that can come from licensing your songs, and provide you with the knowledge and connections to turn your passion into profit!
1. The Origin of “Free Bird”: Lynyrd Skynyrd’s Signature Anthem
“Free Bird” is an enduring classic rock staple primarily sung by Lynyrd Skynyrd. The song encapsulates themes of freedom and independence. Released in 1973 on their debut album, Pronounced Leh-nerd Skin-nerd, the song has since become an iconic anthem. It’s a symbol of the band’s innovative blend of blues, country, and rock and roll.
Who penned the lyrics and composed the music for “Free Bird?”
Ronnie Van Zant wrote the lyrics, while Allen Collins composed the music. Their collaboration resulted in a song that resonated deeply with audiences. The emotional depth of Van Zant’s lyrics combined with Collin’s intricate guitar work made “Free Bird” an instant classic.
What inspired the creation of “Free Bird?”
The song’s creation was inspired by a question Allen Collins’ wife, Kathy, asked him during a fight: “If I leave here tomorrow, would you still remember me?”. This question sparked the song’s theme. The song tells the story of a man explaining to a woman why he can’t settle down.
Alt Text: Young Allen Collins and Ronnie Van Zant, the musical minds behind the legendary song Free Bird, capturing their early energy and creative spark.
2. The Evolution of “Free Bird”: From Ballad to Rock Anthem
Initially, “Free Bird” was conceived as a ballad without the extended guitar solo. Lynyrd Skynyrd recorded it in this format in 1972. However, it evolved into the rock anthem we know today through several key changes.
How did Al Kooper influence the final version of “Free Bird?”
Al Kooper, the band’s producer, suggested replacing the piano with keyboards, which added a new layer to the song’s sound. He recognized the band’s potential after seeing them perform in Atlanta and signed them to his label. His guidance was crucial in shaping the final version of “Free Bird”.
What is the significance of the extended guitar solo in “Free Bird?”
The extended guitar solo, lasting nearly four minutes, is a defining feature of “Free Bird.” It showcases the exceptional talent of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s three guitarists: Allen Collins, Ed King, and Gary Rossington. The interplay between these guitarists elevated the song to legendary status.
3. The Structure of “Free Bird”: A Deep Dive into Its Composition
The album version of “Free Bird” is a lengthy 9:08, with Ronnie Van Zant’s final vocal, “Fly high, free bird, yeah,” appearing at 4:55. The remaining four minutes are devoted to an instrumental guitar jam. This is considered one of the greatest instrumentals ever.
Why did Lynyrd Skynyrd have three guitarists?
Having three guitarists allowed Lynyrd Skynyrd the freedom to create intricate and extended guitar jams, setting them apart from many other bands. This setup enabled them to explore complex harmonies and improvisations.
Is there a shorter version of “Free Bird?”
Yes, a radio edit exists that cuts the instrumental section down to one minute. However, this version is rarely played. The full-length version is preferred by fans for its rich musical experience.
4. “Free Bird” in Concert: A Tradition and Its Emotional Impact
“Free Bird” has traditionally been Lynyrd Skynyrd’s closing number for their live shows. The song is a powerful and emotional experience for both the band and the audience. The energy and passion poured into each performance made it a memorable event.
How did Johnny Van Zant handle performing “Free Bird” after his brother’s death?
After Ronnie Van Zant’s death, his brother Johnny found it emotionally challenging to perform the song. In the beginning, he sometimes didn’t sing it. The band played it as an instrumental while the crowd sang the words. This became a poignant tribute to his brother and the band’s legacy.
What makes the live version of “Free Bird” so special?
The live version captures the raw energy and emotion of the band, enhancing the song’s impact. It is an unforgettable experience for anyone in attendance. The connection between the band and the audience creates a shared moment of musical catharsis.
5. Lyrical Analysis: Unpacking the Meaning Behind “Free Bird”
The lyrics of “Free Bird” explore themes of freedom, independence, and the inability to settle down. The phrase “Free as a bird” appears multiple times. The actual title, “Free Bird,” is used only once, as the final lyric before the guitar solo takes over.
What was Ronnie Van Zant’s struggle with writing the lyrics for “Free Bird?”
Ronnie Van Zant procrastinated on writing the lyrics, feeling the song “had too many chords to write lyrics for.” This challenge made the eventual completion of the lyrics even more rewarding.
How did Ronnie Van Zant finally write the lyrics?
After a few months, Ronnie asked Allen to play the chords again. Within about 20 minutes, Ronnie began singing, “If I leave here tomorrow,” and it fit perfectly. This spontaneous burst of creativity cemented the song’s place in rock history.
6. “Pronounced Leh-nerd Skin-nerd”: A Groundbreaking Debut Album
Pronounced Leh-nerd Skin-nerd was released on August 13, 1973. The band chose this unusual name because they knew no one would know how to pronounce it. This added to the album’s mystique.
Why is Pronounced Leh-nerd Skin-nerd considered a classic album?
The album introduced a unique blend of blues, country, and rock, pioneering the genre of Southern rock. It features enduring hits like “Gimme Three Steps,” “Simple Man,” and “Freebird”. It has influenced countless musicians.
Who were the members of Lynyrd Skynyrd on Pronounced Leh-nerd Skin-nerd?
The lineup included drummer Bob Burns, keyboardist Billy Powell, bassist Ed King (who soon moved to guitar), guitarist Allen Collins, singer Ronnie Van Zant, and guitarist Gary Rossington. Each member contributed to the album’s distinctive sound.
7. Lynyrd Skynyrd’s Legacy: Pioneers of Southern Rock
Forming before the Marshall Tucker Band and the Allman Brothers Band, Lynyrd Skynyrd were pioneers in Southern rock. They merged blues-based rock with a strong sense of Southern pride, creating a distinctly American sound.
What musical elements define Lynyrd Skynyrd’s sound?
Their sound combines blues, bluegrass, country, and rock and roll. It’s a blend that resonates with a broad audience. This fusion helped them carve out a unique niche in the music industry.
How did Lynyrd Skynyrd influence other musicians?
Lynyrd Skynyrd’s innovative sound and high-energy performances inspired countless musicians, solidifying their place in music history. Their influence can be heard in various genres. This includes country, rock, and blues.
8. The Tragic End and Reunion: Continuing the Music
Skynyrd’s career came to a tragic end on October 20, 1977, when the band’s plane crashed in Gillsburg, Mississippi. Ronnie Van Zant, guitarist Steve Gaines, and backup singer Cassie Gaines died in the crash. Assistance road manager Dean Kilpatrick, pilot Walter McCreary, and co-pilot William John Gray also perished.
How did the band reunite after the plane crash?
Gary Rossington led a reunited version of the band a decade later. Ronnie’s younger brother, Johnny Van Zant, became the band’s new singer.
How has Johnny Van Zant honored his brother’s legacy?
Johnny has done an amazing job leading the band. He has sung on eight studio albums, all of which have their gems. This has allowed the band to continue touring and recording music.
9. Exploring Other Lynyrd Skynyrd Classics: Beyond “Free Bird”
While “Free Bird” is their most famous song, Lynyrd Skynyrd has an impressive catalog of other hits. Let’s delve into some of their 20 best songs, highlighting the depth and breadth of their musical talent.
20. “Don’t Ask Me No Questions” from ‘Second Helping’ (1974)
Co-written by Ronnie Van Zant and Gary Rossington, the song shows an early ambivalence about stardom. It touches on the challenges of balancing fame with personal life.
“Well, it’s true, I love the money/And I love my brand-new car/I like drinking the best of whiskey/Playin’ in a honkeytonk bar,” Ronnie sings. But, he adds, “When I come off the road/Well, I just gotta have my time/’Cause I got to find a break in this action/Or else I’m gonna lose my mind.”
19. “I’m A Country Boy” from ‘Nuthin’ Fancy’ (1975)
Co-written by Ronnie Van Zant and Allen Collins, as the title insinuates, this is an anthem of rural pride. It also sounds like a pseudo-hippie environmental anthem.
“I don’t like smoke chokin’ up my air/And some of those city folks well they don’t care/I don’t like cars buzzing around/I don’t even want a piece of concrete in my town/I like sunshine, fresh clean air/Makes me feel like you wouldn’t care but/That’s all right, each to his own/But one smell from the city/And this country boy is gone.”
18. “I Know A Little” from ‘Street Survivors’ (1977)
One of the few Skynyrd originals not co-written by Ronnie Van Zant. Guitarist Steve Gaines, who joined the band for the Street Survivors album, contributed two songs to the record, and this one ranks among Skynyrd’s finest.
17. “Call Me The Breeze (live)” from ‘One More For The Road’ (1976)
One of Skynyrd’s best covers, but many don’t realize that it’s not an original. It’s a cover of a song by J.J. Cale, the same guy who wrote “After Midnight” and “Cocaine,” both of which were later covered by Eric Clapton.
16. “Workin’ For MCA” from ‘Second Helping’ (1974)
Written by Ed King and Ronnie Van Zant, the song is something of a tribute to their record label, MCA. It’s understandably suspicious of the record label guy.
“I worked in every joint you can name, mister, every honky tonk/Along come Mr. Yankee slicker, sayin’ ‘Maybe you’re what I want.’”
But ultimately, of course, the band took the deal:
“Oh, nine thousand dollars, that’s all we could win/But we smiled at the Yankee slicker with a big ol’ Southern grin/They’re gonna take me out to California, gonna make me a superstar/Just pay me all of my money, mister, maybe you won’t get a scar.”
“Mr. Yankee slicker” was allegedly Al Kooper, the guy who signed them to the label and who produced their early albums.
15. “You Got That Right” from ‘Street Survivors’ (1977)
Written by Ronnie Van Zant and Steve Gaines; they traded lead vocals on the song as well. It starts out as a party jam about guys who won’t settle down and live for a good time.
“I like to drink and dance all night/Comes to a fix not afraid to fight.”
In retrospect, it’s a bit haunting when you hear this line:
“When my times up I’m on my own, you won’t find me in an old folk’s home.”
14. “Gimme Three Steps” from ‘(Pronounced ‘Leh-Nerd Skin-Nerd)’ (1973)
Written by Ronnie Van Zant and Allen Collins. In “You Got That Right,” Ronnie sang about not being afraid to fight. But four years earlier on this song, he was quick to avoid a fight that he was sure he wouldn’t win. The narrator gets caught dancing with another man’s girlfriend and asks him to just give him three steps. The guy doesn’t quite grant that favor, but while he’s yelling at the woman, our “hero” takes advantage of the opportunity to bolt.
13. “All I Can Do Is Write About It” from ‘Gimme Back My Bullets’ (1976)
Written by Ronnie Van Zant and Allen Collins. Like so many Skynyrd songs, it expresses a sense of pride in being from a rural area. And like “I’m A Country Boy,” it also reads as an environmental anthem.
“Did you ever see a she-gator protect her youngin’/Or fish in a river swimmin’ free/Did you ever see the beauty of the hills of Carolina/Or the sweetness of the grass in Tennessee/And Lord I can’t make any changes/All I can do is write ’em in a song/’Cause if I can seen the concrete a slowly creepin’/Lord take me and mine before that comes.”
12. “I Ain’t The One” from ‘(Pronounced ‘Leh-Nerd Skin-Nerd)’ (1973)
Written by Ronnie Van Zant and Gary Rossington, this is the first song on the first Skynyrd album. It hits on a theme that would be repeated on the album’s last song, “Free Bird”: the fact that the narrator isn’t the type to settle down.
“Got bells in your mind mama, and it’s easy to see/I think it’s time for me to move along, I do believe/Time for me to put my boots out in the street missy.”
11. “That Smell” from ‘Street Survivors’ (1977)
Written by Ronnie Van Zant and Allen Collins. It’s a stark warning about the dangers of overindulging in drugs and alcohol. The line, “Now they call you ‘Prince Charming’/Can’t speak a word when you’re full of ‘ludes,” was supposedly a reference to Gary Rossington.
10. “Searching” from ‘Gimme Back My Bullets’ (1976)
Written by Ronnie Van Zant and Allen Collins. Van Zant’s “rambling man” habit of not sticking with any one woman seemed to be losing its luster. In this song, he seeks the advice of an older, wise man.
Alt Text: The album cover of Gimme Back My Bullets, showcasing Lynyrd Skynyrd’s iconic imagery and style from the 1970s.
And that wise man told him, “You got stacks of money to the sky up above/Now all you need is to find you a love.” While Van Zant figures out how to do that, Rossington and Collins interweaving guitars prove that they are one of the greatest guitar teams of all time. Skynyrd, of course, were often a three-guitar band, with either Ed King or Steve Gaines as the third guitarist. But the albums with just Rossington and Collins – ‘Pronounced ‘Leh-Nerd Skin-Nerd’ and ‘Gimme Back My Bullets’ – never felt like they were missing anything, guitar-wise.
9. “Gimme Back My Bullets” from ‘Gimme Back My Bullets’ (1976)
Written by Ronnie Van Zant and Gary Rossington. It’s not about firearms; apparently, the “bullets” referred to the Billboard charts. A hot new single would be referred to “number nine with a bullet.”
8. “The Needle and The Spoon” from ‘Second Helping’ (1974)
Written by Ronnie Van Zant and Allen Collins. It’s another song warning of the dangers of drugs. The song starts with a heartbreaking line.
“I’m comin’ home on an airplane flight/Mama waitin’ at the ticket line/’Tell me, son, why do you stand there cryin’?’….It was the needle and the spoon.”
Allen Collins’ guitar solo is awesome and shows a huge Cream-era Clapton influence.
7. “What’s Your Name?” from ‘Street Survivors’ (1977)
Written by Ronnie Van Zant and Gary Rossington. It tells the tale of a wild night where “one of the crew had a go with one of the guests.” The narrator is just trying to hook up with a girl. He doesn’t even know her name. But he likes her enough that he wants to see her again “when I come back here next year.”
6. “Tuesday’s Gone” from ‘(Pronounced ‘Leh-Nerd Skin-Nerd)’ (1973)
Written by Ronnie Van Zant and Allen Collins. It’s one of Skynyrd’s best ballads. The lyrics aren’t too specific, but it is another song with the theme about being a traveling musician. They’re unable to stay in a relationship.
“Now I feel the wind blow/Outside my door, means I’m leaving my woman at home.”
Over twenty years later, Metallica recorded an epic cover of the song with a bunch of their friends. This included Jerry Cantrell of Alice In Chains and Pepper Keenan of Corrosion of Conformity.
5. “The Ballad of Curtis Loew” from ‘Second Helping’ (1974)
Written by Ronnie Van Zant and Allen Collins. One Skynyrd fan site says that the song is “loosely based around the characters that lived near Ronnie’s home on Jacksonville’s Westside. The corner store in the song is based on Claude’s Midway Grocery on the corner of Plymouth and Lakeshore in Jacksonville.” The site notes that there wasn’t a “real” Curtis Loew.
4. “Simple Man” from ‘(Pronounced ‘Leh-Nerd Skin-Nerd)’ (1973)
Written by Ronnie Van Zant and Gary Rossington. Per a feature in American Songwriter, Van Zant and Rossington wrote the song following the passing of Van Zant’s grandmother and Rossington’s mother. Their memories of each woman inspired the lyrics to the song. And they share some pretty good advice.
“Forget your lust for the rich man’s gold/All that you need is in your soul.”
3. “Saturday Night Special” from ‘Nuthin’ Fancy’ (1975)
Written by Ronnie Van Zant and Ed King. Van Zant was a gun owner, but on this song he was criticizing cheap guns that were easily found on the black market in those days: the “Saturday Night Special.” Rossington told Classic Rock,
“Those cheap handguns were no good for hunting or anything else – they were just made to kill people. And those guns were easy to find. We came from a rough part of town, the westside of Jacksonville. There were a lot of bad people there, and every week you’d hear that somebody got shot or killed.”
2. “Sweet Home Alabama” from ‘Second Helping’ (1974)
Written by Ronnie Van Zant, Gary Rossington, and Ed King. It’s got one of the best and most recognizable guitar riffs in music history. The song was written in response to Neil Young’s “Southern Man” and “Alabama.” They took the south to task for slavery. Young later wrote about it in his book, ‘Waging Heavy Peace’.
“My own song ‘Alabama’ richly deserved the shot Lynyrd Skynyrd gave me with their great record. I don’t like my words when I listen to it. They are accusatory and condescending, not fully thought out, and too easy to misconstrue.”
1. “Free Bird (live)” from ‘One More For The Road” (1976)
Written by Ronnie Van Zant and Allen Collins. “What song is it you wanna hear?” “FREE BIRD!!!!” It’s one of the most iconic classic rock songs of all time, if not the most iconic. In fact, for decades, audiences at other artists’ concerts will yell it out. Most bands usually ignore the request, as it’s become something of a cliche. But in 2016, Bob Dylan of all people obliged an audience member (you can find clips of the performance online).
Alt Text: Lynyrd Skynyrd on stage, delivering an electrifying performance, capturing their dynamic energy and musical prowess.
“Free Bird” is from the band’s debut album, but we decided to go with the live version. There’s something about hearing the excitement of the crowd – even though they know the band is going to play it. The original clocks in at a little over nine minutes and has just two guitarists (Rossington and Collins). But here, we appreciate getting more of a great thing: the live version, featuring three guitarists (Rossington, Collins and Steve Gaines) and stretches to a more satisfying fourteen minutes and twenty-five seconds.
10. FAQs About “Free Bird” and Lynyrd Skynyrd
Who originally sang “Free Bird?”
Lynyrd Skynyrd originally sang “Free Bird,” with Ronnie Van Zant as the lead vocalist.
When was “Free Bird” released?
“Free Bird” was released in 1973 on their debut album, Pronounced Leh-nerd Skin-nerd.
Who wrote the lyrics and music for “Free Bird?”
Ronnie Van Zant wrote the lyrics, and Allen Collins composed the music.
What is the significance of the guitar solo in “Free Bird?”
The extended guitar solo is a defining feature, showcasing the band’s exceptional talent.
Why is “Free Bird” considered a classic rock anthem?
It embodies themes of freedom and independence, resonating with audiences across generations.
How did Al Kooper influence the final version of “Free Bird?”
Al Kooper suggested replacing the piano with keyboards, enhancing the song’s sound.
What is the story behind the creation of “Free Bird?”
Inspired by a question from Allen Collins’ wife, it tells the story of a man who can’t settle down.
What makes the live version of “Free Bird” so special?
The live version captures the raw energy and emotion of the band, enhancing the song’s impact.
How did Johnny Van Zant continue his brother’s legacy?
Johnny took over as the band’s singer after his brother’s death, keeping their music alive.
What are some other famous Lynyrd Skynyrd songs besides “Free Bird?”
Other hits include “Sweet Home Alabama,” “Simple Man,” and “Gimme Three Steps.”
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