Saturday Night Special

Lynyrd Skynyrd

About Saturday Night Special

"Saturday Night Special" is a song by Lynyrd Skynyrd. It is the opening track on their album Nuthin' Fancy. The song addresses the issue of gun control.


Year:
1976
43 
#3

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Two feet they come a creepin'
Like a black cat do
And two bodies are layin' naked
A creeper think he got nothin' to lose
So he creeps into this house, yeah
And unlocks the door
And as a man's reaching for his trousers
Shoots him full of thirty-eight holes

Mr. Saturday night special
Got a barrel that's blue and cold
Ain't good for nothin'
But put a man six feet in a hole

Big Jim's been drinkin' whiskey
And playin' poker on a losin' night
And pretty soon ol' Jim starts a thinkin'
Somebody been cheatin' and lyin'
So Big Jim commence to fightin'
I wouldn't tell you no lie
Big Jim done pulled his pistol
Shot his friend right between the eyes

Mr. Saturday night special
Got a barrel that's blue and cold
Ain't good for nothin'
But put a man six feet in a hole

Oh, it's the Saturday night special, for twenty dollars you can buy yourself one too

Hand guns are made for killin'
They ain't no good for nothin' else
And if you like to drink your whiskey
You might even shoot yourself
So why don't we dump 'em people
To the bottom of the sea
Before some ol' fool come around here
Wanna shoot either you or me

Mr. Saturday night special
You got a barrel that's blue and cold
You ain't good for nothin'
But put a man six feet in a hole

Mr. the Saturday night special
And I'd like to tell you what you could do with it
And that's the end of the song

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Lynyrd Skynyrd

Lynyrd Skynyrd (pronounced /ˌlɛnərd ˈskɪnərd/ LEN-ərd-SKIN-ərd) is an American rock band best known for popularizing the Southern hard rock genre during the 1970s. Originally formed in 1964 as the "Noble Five" in Jacksonville, Florida, the band rose to worldwide recognition on the basis of its driving live performances and signature tunes "Sweet Home Alabama," and "Free Bird." At the peak of their success, three members died in an airplane crash in 1977, putting an abrupt end to the band's most popular incarnation. more »

22 fans

Written by: Edward C. King, Ronnie Van Zant

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Song Creation
"Saturday Night Special" was released by Lynyrd Skynyrd in 1975, appearing on their album "Nuthin' Fancy".
Inspiration
The song's title is derived from the term 'Saturday Night Special,' common slang for a cheap, small-caliber handgun. The nickname is believed to originate from the gun’s supposed popularity during Saturday night altercations.
Lyrics Meaning
The lyrics openly speak out against gun violence, with lines such as “Handguns are made for killin'/ Ain’t no good for nothin’ else”, demonstrating a clear anti-gun stance, which is unusual for a Southern rock band.
Songwriters
The song was written by the band's frontman Ronnie Van Zant and guitarist Ed King. The lyrics, coupled with uniquely powerful music, reflects Lynyrd Skynyrd's distinctiveness as a band.
Pop Culture
The song has been used in several films and TV series, including "The Longest Yard" (1974) and "Detroit Rock City" (1999).
Album Success
"Nuthin' Fancy," the album featuring "Saturday Night Special," reached #9 on the Billboard 200, proving its popularity despite the song's controversial stance on gun control.
Live Performances
"Saturday Night Special" is frequently performed at Lynyrd Skynyrd live shows. During live performances, the band often extends the song with jam sections.
Unexpected Stand
For a group from the Deep South where guns are part of the culture, taking a stand against handguns was both surprising and impactful.
Tragic Irony
The song embodies a tragic irony as several years after its release, the band suffered a horrific plane crash, causing the death of several members, including song co-writer Ronnie Van Zant.
Stamp of the 70s
The song remains a staple of 70s rock, showcasing the yearning for social commentary amidst the era's rock anthems.

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    Saturday Night Special

    2.5M
    13,061     640

    Top Hot 100 Songs 1975

    Billboard #27


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