The Inspiring Story Behind ‘Free Bird’ by Lynyrd Skynyrd
The Lynyrd Skynyrd classic, “Free Bird,” is a song about the desire for freedom and the bittersweet realization that sometimes leaving behind loved ones is necessary to achieve it. The song’s opening lines ask if the person being addressed would still remember the singer if they were to leave, indicating a fear of being forgotten or left behind. However, the singer quickly asserts that they must go, as there are too many places they still want to see.
The chorus repeats the line “this bird you cannot change,” emphasizing the singer’s determination to be free and their refusal to be held back by anyone or anything. Despite the pain of leaving, the singer is “as free as a bird now” and must fly high.
The bridge of the song acknowledges the difficulty of leaving and the hurt it causes, but the singer is not apologetic about their decision. They know they are responsible for their own happiness and cannot be held back by others. Ultimately, the song is a tribute to the desire for independence and the pursuit of one’s dreams, even if it means leaving behind those we love.
Ultimately, “Free Bird” is a timeless anthem about the universal longing for freedom and the sacrifices we must sometimes make to achieve it.
About Lynyrd Skynyrd
Lynyrd Skynyrd is an American rock band that formed in Jacksonville, Florida in 1964. The band was named after the members’ high school gym teacher, Leonard Skinner, who had a strict hair policy that required male students to keep their hair short. The band’s original lineup included Ronnie Van Zant on vocals, Allen Collins and Gary Rossington on guitars, Larry Junstrom on bass, Bob Burns on drums, and Billy Powell on keyboards.
Lynyrd Skynyrd rose to fame in the 1970s with hits such as “Sweet Home Alabama,” “Simple Man,” and “Free Bird,” which became one of the most iconic rock songs of all time. The band’s music was heavily influenced by southern rock and blues, with a distinctive guitar sound that set them apart from their contemporaries.
Tragically, in 1977, the band’s plane crashed in Mississippi, killing lead singer Ronnie Van Zant, guitarist Steve Gaines, and backup singer Cassie Gaines, along with the pilot and co-pilot. This event marked the end of the original Lynyrd Skynyrd lineup, but the surviving members went on to form the Rossington-Collins Band and other musical projects.
In the 1980s, the surviving members of Lynyrd Skynyrd reunited for a tribute tour and eventually re-formed the band with Ronnie Van Zant’s brother, Johnny, as the new lead vocalist. The band continued to tour and release new music, with several lineup changes over the years.
Lynyrd Skynyrd’s influence on rock music is undeniable, and their legacy continues to be celebrated by fans around the world.
Watch: Lynyrd Skynyrd – Free Bird
Listen now: Lynyrd Skynyrd – Free Bird
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