Lynyrd Skynyrd: "Free Bird" (1973)

"Free Bird" (also spelled "Freebird") is a song by the American southern rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd. It was first featured on the band's debut album (Pronounced 'Lĕh-'nérd 'Skin-'nérd) in 1973, and has been included on subsequent albums released by the band, including the previously-unreleased, unfaded-ending version of the original recording (featured on Skynyrd's Innyrds) which ends rather climactically.

Released as a single in November 1974, "Free Bird" became the band's second Top 40 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in early 1975, where it peaked at No. 19. A live version of the song also reached the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1977, peaking at No. 38. Free Bird also achieved the No. 3 spot on Guitar World's 100 Greatest Guitar Solos.

It was used as a finale by Lynyrd Skynyrd during their live performances, and was their longest song, often going well over 14 minutes when played live.


- Lyrics:

I was a-cutting the rug down at a place called The Jug
With a girl named Linda Lou
When in walked a man with a gun in his hand
And he was looking for you know who
He said, 'Hey there, fellow with the hair colored yellow
What you tryin' to prove
'Cause that's a-my woman there and I'm a man who cares
And this might be all for you'
I said, "Excuse me"

I was scared and fearing for my life
I was shaking like a leaf on a tree
'Cause he was lean and mean and big and bad, Lord
Pointin' that gun at me
I said, 'Wait a minute, mister, I didn't even kiss her
Don't want no trouble with you
And I know you don't owe me but I wish you would let me
Ask one favor from you'

(Chorus)
Say, won't you
Gimme three steps, gimme three steps, mister
Gimme three steps toward the door
Gimme three steps, gimme three steps, mister
And you'll never see me no more

Well the crowd cleared away and I began to pray
And the water fell on the floor
And I'm telling you, son, well it ain't no fun
Staring straight down a forty-four
Well, he turned and screamed at Linda Lou
And that's the break I was looking for
And you could hear me screaming a mile away
As I was headed out toward the door