Lynyrd Skynyrd Own Knebworth With ’76 “Whiskey Rock-A-Roller”
The Gang’s All Here
In 1976, just one year before Ronnie’s infamous plane crash, Lynyrd Skynyrd rocked England’s Knebworth Festival with hit “Whiskey Rock-A-Roller” and took the crowd by storm.
Written by Ronnie, Billy Powell and Edward King, “Whiskey Rock-A-Roller” was meant to poke fun at a writer that ignorantly questioned who Ronnie was in an interview during their tour. In response to this, Ronnie replied, “I’m a whiskey rock-a-roller.” The lyrics tell the story of a man’s life on the road, moving from location to location as southern, musical vagabonds sweeping the sphere.
Interesting Fact: In one if these recordings, Ronnie Van Zant forgets the song, and has to ask the back up singers (the Honketts) what the song is. On the other live version. Ronnie changes the opening lyrics to “I’m traveling down a highway, got a blue sky on my head, movin’ down this highway 500 miles away.”
With men only clothed solely in their undergarments waving around the Confederate flag in the air, Knebworth really brought spirit and passion to the event and you can really tell that Ronnie was feelin’ it as he comes alive at the mic. Enjoy!
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!
+ Whiskey Rock-A-Roller Lyrics +
Blue skies hangin’ over my head I got 500 miles to ride
I’m goin’ down to Memphis town to play a latenight show
I hope the people are ready there ’cause the boys are all ready to goWell, I’m a whiskey rock-a-roller
That’s what I am
Women, whiskey and miles of travellin’
Is all I understandI was born a travellin’ man and my feets do burn the ground
I don’t care for fancy music if your shoes can’t shuffle around
I got a 100 women or more and there’s no place I call home
The only time I’m satisfied is when I’m on the roadWell, I’m a whiskey rock-a-roller
That’s what I am
Women, whiskey and miles of travellin’
Is all I understand
Sometimes I wonder where will we goLord don’t take my whiskey, rock and roll
Take me down to Memphis town, busdriver get me there
I got me a queenie she got longbrown curly hair
She likes to drink Old Grandad and her shoes do shuffle around
And everytime I see that gal
Lord she wants to take me downWell, I’m a whiskey rock-a-roller
That’s what I am
Women, whiskey and miles of travellin’
Is all I understand
Sometimes I wonder where will we go
Lord don’t take my whiskey, rock and roll
