Lynyrd Skynyrd Rocks 1976 Winterland With “Cry For The Bad Man”
Betrayal And Burns
In 1976, Ronnie and the crew ruled the San Fransisco Winterland stage with southern hit “Cry For The Bad Man.” Written about and for previous manager of Lynyrd Skynyrd, Alan Walden, Ronnie expresses betrayal of his good friend as the band votes him out due to frequent miscommunications regarding money.
From the lyrics in the song, it is clear that Alan was financially controlling over the band, however, it seems as though Ronnie was more disappointed in him than the rest of the band. Unfortunately for Alan, Skynyrd overruled Ronnie and replaced him with Peter Rudge.
Interesting Fact: Ronnie stated later that he regretted writing and performing this song.
The real meaning behind this song, to us, is heartbreak. Ronnie genuinely loved Alan and thought he was a good friend, however, their different opinions about money made eventually ceased their special friendship. It is almost as if Ronnie is saying his true farewell to Alan with this ballad.
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+ Cry For The Bad Man Lyrics +
Well he walks so tall to be so small
Never met a man who’s stranger
He lives his life for a dollar sign
And to deal with him is dangerous
He knocked me down but I’m on my feet
Now I’m so much wiser
I’d rather quit and go back home
Than to deal with the money miser
Let’s cry for this bad man
I sing a song for the bad man
Well, you treat me right baby, I’ll treat you right
That’s the way it’s supposed to be
I put my faith down in my friend
And he almost put an end to me
Well I work seven days a week
Eight when I am able
When you take money from me you take food from my mama’s table
Let’s cry for this bad man
I wrote a song for the bad man
Oh baby you know who you are
Let’s cry for this bad man
I wrote a song for the bad man way down in Georgia
Well, you treat me right baby, I’ll treat you right
That’s the way it’s supposed to be
I put my faith down in my friend
And he almost put an end to me
Well, when you take my money baby when you hurt my family
I go walkin’ through the swamps without no shoes
Step on a snake it scares you
Let’s cry for this bad man
I wrote a song for the bad man br>oh let’s cry for this bad man
I wrote a song for the bad man
Oh baby straight to you
He’s so bad, so bad
