Free Bird

About this song

"Free Bird" is from Lynyrd Skynyrd's debut album, released in 1973. It was released as a single the following year and broke the Top 40 in 1975, after the success of "Sweet Home Alabama." The song closes with a famous guitar solo lasting about five minutes, and the single version omits much of it. Crowd chants of "Free Bird!" at concerts became a widespread habit, following the live album One More from the Road.

What it's about

The lyrics take inspiration from Allen Collins's girlfriend, Kathy, and were later dedicated to Duane Allman.

Fun facts

• Sampled in 7 other songs, like “You Never Met a Motherfucker Quite Like Me by Kid Rock”.
• Covered 17 times, including “Freebird by Disarray”.
• Written by Allen Collins and Ronnie Van Zant.
• Produced by Al Kooper.
• Recorded at Studio One.