Free Bird

Lynyrd Skynyrd

About Free Bird

"Free Bird", or "Freebird", is a power ballad written and performed by American rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd. The song first featured on the band's debut album in 1973 and has been included on subsequent albums, including the unfaded-ending version of the original recording (featured on Skynyrd's Innyrds). Released as a single in November 1973, "Free Bird" entered the Billboard Hot 100 on November 23 at No. 87 and became the band's second Top 40 hit in early 1975, peaking at No. 19 on January 25. A live version of the song reentered the charts in late 1976, eventually peaking at No. 38 in January 1977."Free Bird" achieved the No. 3 spot on Guitar World's 100 Greatest Guitar Solos. It is considered to be Lynyrd Skynyrd's signature song, is used as a finale during their live performances, and is their longest song, often going well over 14 minutes when played live. 


Year:
1990
4:41
622 
#10

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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 can not change
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
And this bird you can not change
And this bird you can not change
Lord knows, I can't change

Bye, bye, baby, it's been a sweet love
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
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
And this bird you can not change
And this bird you can not 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

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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: Allen Collins, Ronnie Van Zant

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


9 facts about this song

Song Release Specifications
"Free Bird" is a song by American rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd from their debut extended play (EP), an un-named album cut and released in 1973. - Later, it appeared on their debut full-length album "(Pronounced 'Lĕh-'nérd 'Skin-'nérd)" in the same year.
Song Structure
"Free Bird" is one of the iconic examples of a power ballad that turns into an extended guitar jam, with the song stretching to almost 10 minutes in length. - The extended solo at the end of the song was the result of both Allen Collins and Gary Rossington playing (respectively) a Gibson Explorer and a Gibson SG to duel the distinctive solos.
Chart Performance
"Free Bird" achieved great success in the United States, peaking at No. 19 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Song Inspiration
It was inspired by the question Allen Collins's girlfriend asked him, "If I leave here tomorrow, would you still remember me?" This question served as the base for the opening lyrics of the song.
Live Performances
The band's live performances typically concluded with "Free Bird," which morphed into an epic showcase of the band members' musical skills.
Recognition and Awards
"Free Bird" is often considered one of the greatest rock songs of all time, and it was included in Rolling Stone's list of 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. - In 2009, it was named the 26th best hard rock song of all time by VH1.
Tribute
After the plane crash in 1977 which resulted in the death of several original members, including lead vocalist Ronnie Van Zant, the remaining members would perform "Free Bird" as a tribute with a single spotlight beamed at the empty mic stand.
Cultural Influences
The phrase, "Play Free Bird!" has long been a running joke for audiences at concerts, regardless of the performing artist, suggesting a ubiquitous request shouted out at just about every concert.
In Films and Media
"Free Bird" has featured prominently in several movie soundtracks including "Forrest Gump" and "Kingsman: The Secret Service," and numerous television shows, further cementing its place in popular culture.

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    Free Bird

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    Top Hot 100 Songs 1975

    Billboard #19


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