The Chosen 3: Lynyrd Skynyrd’s Finest Songs

Lynyrd Skynyrd emerged from Jacksonville, Florida, in the late 1960s, embracing a rock style heavily influenced by country and Southern soul. Initially a group of young brawlers, the band was transformed by the rigorous work ethic imposed by their leader and singer, Ronnie Van Zant. This discipline helped them soar artistically from their first album.

Their debut album, Pronounced ‘lĕh-‘nérd ‘skin-‘nérd (1973), is often hailed as their best work. It features classic southern riffs with bent guitars, a signature sound of the band. Tracks like “I Ain’t The One” and “Gimme Three Steps” are quintessential Southern boogies and staples in any Lynyrd Skynyrd greatest hits collection. However, the album’s real charm lies in its more intimate songs. “Tuesday’s Gone” is an emotional ballad enriched by a beautiful piano and stunning guitars. “Simple Man” is an ode to southern life, so popular it’s been used in various commercials, including a major campaign by Decathlon.

Now for Lynyrd Skynyrd’s Finest Songs, here are the top picks:

Free Bird
“Free Bird” epitomizes Lynyrd Skynyrd’s spirit, symbolizing freedom in relationships and life. The song, dedicated to Duane Allman and Berry Oakley of the Allman Brothers, reflects Ronnie Van Zant’s view of them as “free birds” who died young. Van Zant also mentioned that “Free Bird” represents the broader American ideal of freedom. Over the years, this rock ballad has become an iconic piece of American music culture. The song’s famous opening line was inspired by Allen Collins’ wife, Kathy Johns, who, after a marital spat, asked him, “If I leave here tomorrow, will you still remember me?” This emotional phrase became a central part of the song’s lyrics.

I Ain’t The One
“I Ain’t The One” kicks off their 1973 debut album with an electrifying intensity. The song showcases fiery guitars and Ronnie Van Zant’s rough, passionate vocals. After the breakup of Creedence Clearwater Revival in 1972, Lynyrd Skynyrd emerged as a new force, bringing the vibrant southern rock sound to a global audience. The media quickly recognized their potential, with Cash Box magazine dubbing them “the next world super-group” in 1973. Fans were eager to learn how to pronounce the band’s unique name, a playful nod to their strict high school gym teacher, Leonard Skinner.

Sweet Home Alabama
“Sweet Home Alabama,” released in 1974, is an unofficial anthem of the American South. Despite rumors of the band being racist and ultra-right-wing, Lynyrd Skynyrd deeply respected the black blues musicians who influenced their music. This respect is evident in their song “The Ballad of Curtis Loew,” which pays tribute to struggling black musicians. The controversy around “Sweet Home Alabama” stemmed from Neil Young’s songs “Southern Man” (1970) and “Alabama” (1972), which criticized the racism in the American South. Lynyrd Skynyrd, particularly Ronnie Van Zant, responded to Young’s accusations with this historic song, defending their Southern roots and refuting the generalizations about their culture.