46 Years Ago: Ronnie Van Zant Records “Free Bird” Demo And Changes Southern Rock Forever

“There’s Nothin’ Freer Than A Bird…”

Since 1970, Ronnie Van Zant’s “Free Bird” as a lyrical piece is among the top greatest rock and roll songs in history, we already know this, and having viewed countless live performances of this song in the past, we understand and cherish the value that rests tucked between the words of the song. However, nothing has ever been able to surpass the intimate quality of the original demo recording we have provided below in its raw and most simplified form. (Adipex) As Ronnie states “the bird” instead of “this bird,” it is evident that Ronnie was still working on the genius of the lyrics when he recorded this.

Interesting Fact: Gene Odom, who was Lynyrd Skynyrd’s security manager, explained in his book Lynyrd Skynyrd: Remembering The Free Birds Of Southern Rock that this song came about when Allen Collins’ wife asked him the question, “If I leave here tomorrow would you still remember me.”

As a testament to why Ronnie is one of the most beloved and missed rock stars of all time, this breathtaking recording is most likely the greatest piece of sonic literature ever to be captured in his career. From the band’s debut album, Pronounced ‘Lĕh-‘nérd ‘Skin-‘nérd, the single reached the number 3 spot on Guitar World’s 100 Greatest Guitar Solos as Lynyrd Skynyrd’s signature ballad.

To hear the way Ronnie envisioned “Free Bird” from the start is beyond incredible; tapping into the musical genius’s mind itself, even if it is just for a moment or two. Reliving the live passion Ronnie had for the timeless ballad as if he was still here is one of the most bone chilling experiences imaginable, as we are voluntarily being haunted by the legacy that was and still is Ronnie Van Zant.

Lynyrd Skynyrd’s ‘Pronounced ‘Lĕh-‘nérd ‘Skin-‘nérd & Second Helping Live’ is available now on DVD, Blu-ray and digital formats – it’s the perfect gift for the Lynyrd Skynyrd fan in your life. Buy it here on Amazon!

+ Free Bird Lyrics +

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.
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, yeah,
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.
And this bird you cannot change.
And this bird you cannot 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?