“Free Bird” by Lynyrd Skynyrd
As this title depicts, the writer seems to suggest that he cannot be caged or otherwise committed to a relationship because he enjoys being free. He likens his love for freedom to a bird who can easily go wherever it wishes and see the rest of the world.
Possibly in a setting where the writer is about to embark on yet another trip, he finally makes it clear to his girlfriend that he is about to travel and is as free as a bird. He emphasizes on the fact that she cannot change him, that he does not have control over his own behavior, and even God knows he cannot change. His excuse is that if he stays with this girl and commits to their relationship, there would be responsibilities and a family that will hinder him from being the free soul he enjoys being.
The singer, in the second verse goes on to end their short-lived affair while trying to console this girl by accepting to take all the blame for causing pain and ending their relationship.
Facts about “Free Bird”
Free Bird was produced by Al Kooper and written by Allen Collins and Ronnie Van Zant of Lynyrd Skynard.
The band subsequently released this classic on August 13, 1973 off their debut album Pronounced Leh-nerd Skin-nerd (1973).
The first lines of the song happened to be a question asked by Allen Collin’s then-girlfriend Kathy.
The track has been used in a number of television shows and movies including “Family Guy”, “That ’70s Show”, and “The Devil’s Rejects”.
Due to its popularity, lots of singers and groups have recorded their versions which includes American pop group, Will to Power.
“Free Bird” was ranked third in the list of “100 Greatest Guitar Solos” by the Guitar World.
In one of his interviews, Van Zant indicated that though the song has different meanings, it is basically a love song. He further explained that the song was dedicated to a member of the Allman Brothers band called Duane Allman.
