Freebird - Lynyrd Skynyrd (1974) 10/16/21

Just a few days from now, we'll be celebrating the second anniversary of my "Great Songs of the '70s" blog, and frankly I'm surprised that after highlighting more than 725 songs, no one has shouted:

"HIGHLIGHT FREEBIRD!"

After all, it's been a long-standing humorous tradition to yell "PLAY FREEBIRD" at just about every concert, regardless of the artist.

Of course, the original, by Lynyrd Skynyrd, is one of the all time classics, and originally a "Great Song of 1974."

Guitarist Allan Collins wrote the initial chord progression for the song, but it took lead vocalist and lyricist Ronnie Van Zandt nearly two years to come up with the words. He initially felt the chord progression was too long to write lyrics that would match up.

In essence, the song is about freedom. According to Ronnie, "A bird is free to fly wherever he wants to go. Everyone wants that freedom. It's what this country is all about."

The opening line of the song was actually written by Allan's girlfriend (and later wife) Kathy, who once asked him, "If I leave here tomorrow, would you still remember me?"

Perfect. All that was left to finish the song was the intro, which was written by piano-playing roadie Billy Powell, who was rewarded by being promoted to an official member of the band.

"Freebird" was WAY too long for most radio stations, but thanks to progressive rock FM stations (which never cared about length), and a heavily edited single version, the song was able to reach #19 on Billboard's Hot 100 in late 1974/early 1975. A live version was released a year later and topped out at #38.

"Freebird" has garnered some major kudos over the years:

The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame's has it on their list of the "500 Songs hat Shaped Rock and Roll." Rolling Stone's recently-updated list of the "Top 500 Songs of All Time" has it at #407. VH-1 ranks it at #26 on their list of the "Best Hard Rock Songs of all Time," and Guitar World Magazine says it contains the third "Greatest Guitar Solo of All Time."

So, without further ado, I will now PLAY FREEBIRD: Definitely a "Great Song of the '70s!"