At a band practice shortly after bassist Ed King… Read Full Bio ↴Creation and Recording:
At a band practice shortly after bassist Ed King had switched to guitar, King heard fellow guitarist Gary Rossington playing a guitar riff that inspired him (in fact, this riff is still heard in the final version of the song and is played during the verses as a counterpoint to the main D-C+9-G chord progression). In interviews, Ed King has said that, during the night following the practice session, the chords and two main guitar solos came to him in a dream, note for note. King then introduced the song to the band the next day, and a hit was born. Also written at this session was the track that would follow "Alabama" on the Second Helping album, "I Need You."
A live version of the track on the compilation album Collectybles places the writing of the song during the late summer of 1973, as the live set available on the album is dated October 30, 1973.
The track was recorded at Studio One in Doraville, Georgia, using just King, bassist Wilkeson, and drummer Burns to lay down the basic backing track. Ed King used a Marshall amp belonging to Allen Collins. The guitar used on the track was a 1972 Fender Stratocaster. However, King has said that guitar was a pretty poor model and had bad pickups, forcing him to turn the amp up all the way to get decent volume out of it. This guitar is now displayed at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Museum in Cleveland, Ohio.
The "Turn it up" line uttered by Ronnie Van Zant in the beginning was not intended to be in the song. Van Zant was just asking producer Al Kooper and engineer Rodney Mills to turn up the volume in his headphones so that he could hear the track better.
Following the two "woo's" (Leon's the first, Ed's the second) at the start of the piano solo, Van Zant can be heard ad-libbing "My, Montgomery's got the answer." The duplicate "my" was produced by Kooper turning off one of the two vocal takes. For Lynyrd Skynyrd's 1976 film Free Bird, this final line was changed to "Mr. (Jimmy) Carter got the answer." in a reference to the 1976 Presidential Election.[citation needed]
There is also a semi-hidden vocal line in the second verse after the "Well, I heard Mr. Young sing about her" line (at approximately 0:50). In the left channel, you can hear the phrase "Southern Man" being sung lightly. This was producer Al Kooper doing a Neil Young impression and was just another incident of the band members messing around in the studio while being recorded. According to Leon Wilkeson, it was Al Kooper's idea to continue and echo the lines from "Southern Man" after each of Van Zant's lines. "Better...keep your head"..."Don't forget what your / good book says", etc. But Ronnie insisted that Kooper remove it not wanting to plagiarize or upset Young. Kooper left the one line barely audible in the left channel.
The count-in heard in the beginning of the track is spoken by Ed King. The count-in to the first song on an album was a signature touch that producer Kooper usually put on albums that he made.
"Sweet Home Alabama" was a major chart hit for a band whose previous singles had "lazily sauntered out into release with no particular intent." The hit led to two TV rock-show offers, which the band turned down.[2]
None of the three writers of the song were originally from Alabama. Ronnie Van Zant and Gary Rossington were both born in Jacksonville, Florida. Ed King was from Glendale, California.
Controversy:
"Sweet Home Alabama" was written as an answer to two songs, "Southern Man" and "Alabama" by Neil Young, which attacked dealt with themes of racism and slavery in the American South. "We thought Neil was shooting all the ducks in order to kill one or two," said Ronnie Van Zant at the time.[2] Van Zant's musical response, however, was also controversial, with references to Alabama Governor George Wallace (a noted supporter of segregation) and the Watergate scandal:
In Birmingham, they love the governor (boo boo boo)
Now we all did what we could do
Now Watergate does not bother me
Does your conscience bother you?
Tell the truth
In addition, the final chorus rhymes "where the skies are so blue" with "and the governor's true."
In 1975, Van Zant said: "The lyrics about the governor of Alabama were misunderstood. The general public didn't notice the words 'Boo! Boo! Boo!' after that particular line, and the media picked up only on the reference to the people loving the governor."[3] "The line 'We all did what we could do' is sort of ambiguous," Kooper notes "'We tried to get Wallace out of there' is how I always thought of it."[3] Journalist John Swenson argues that the song is more complex than it is sometimes given credit for, suggesting that it only looks like an endorsement of Wallace.[3] "Wallace and I have very little in common," Van Zant himself said, "I don't like what he says about colored people."[3]
In 1976, Van Zant and the band supported Jimmy Carter for his presidential candidacy, including fundraising and an appearance at the Gator Bowl benefit concert.
Muscle Shoals:
One verse of the song includes the line "Now Muscle Shoals has got the Swampers/And they've been known to pick a song or two." This refers to the town of Muscle Shoals, Alabama, a legendary location for recording popular music due to the "sound" crafted by local recording studios and back-up musicians. "The Swampers" referred to in the lyrics included (among others) Jimmy Johnson, David Hood, Barry Beckett, Roger Hawkins, Eddie Hinton, Pete Carr and Spooner Oldham who crafted the "Muscle Shoals Sound". Sometimes recording under the identity of the Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section, these musicians included Jimmy Johnson (guitar), Roger Hawkins (drums), David Hood (bass), and Barry Beckett (keyboards), and they were inducted into the Alabama Music Hall of Fame in 1995 for a "Lifework Award for Non-Performing Achievement." The nickname "The Swampers" was given to the Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section by singer/songwriter Leon Russell.
Part of the reference comes from the 1971-1972 demo reels that Lynyrd Skynyrd had recorded in Muscle Shoals with Johnson as a producer/recording engineer. Johnson helped refine many of the songs first heard publicly on the "Pronounced" album, and it was Van Zant's "tip of the hat" to Johnson for helping out the band in the early years and essentially giving the band its first break.
Lynyrd Skynyrd remains connected to Muscle Shoals having since recorded a number of works in the city and making it a regular stop on their concert tours.
Sweet Home Alabama
Lynyrd Skynyrd Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
(Turn it up)
Big wheels keep on turning
Carry me home to see my kin
Singing songs about the Southland
I miss Alabamy once again and I think it's a sin, yes
Well, I heard Mister Young sing about her (southern man)
Well, I heard ol' Neil put her down
Well, I hope Neil Young will remember
A southern man don't need him around, anyhow
Sweet home Alabama
Where the skies are so blue
Sweet home Alabama
Lord, I'm coming home to you
In Birmingham they love the Governor, boo, boo, boo
Now we all did what we could do
Now Watergate does not bother me
Does your conscience bother you? Tell the truth
Sweet home Alabama
Where the skies are so blue
Sweet home Alabama
Lord, I'm coming home to you, here I come Alabama
(Oh oh oh, Alabama, oh oh oh, Alabama)
(Oh oh oh, Alabama, oh oh oh, Alabama)
Now Muscle Shoals has got the Swampers
And they've been known to pick a song or two (yes, they do)
Lord, they get me off so much
They pick me up when I'm feeling blue, now how 'bout you?
Sweet home Alabama
Where the skies are so blue
Sweet home Alabama
Lord, I'm coming home to you
Sweet home Alabama, oh, sweet home, baby
Where the skies are so blue and the governor's true
Sweet home Alabama, Lordy
Lord, I'm coming home to you, yeah yeah
My, Montgomery's got the answer
The Lynyrd Skynyrd song "Sweet Home Alabama" is a classic rock hit, released in 1974. The song is often considered as an anthem for the southern United States. It starts with the catchy, "Big wheels keep on turning, carry me home to see my kin," an ode to the rural roots of Alabama. The song is loaded with pride for the southern states, and even has a nod to Neil Young's derogatory song, "Southern Man" in the line, "Well, I heard Mister Young sing about her (southern man), well, I heard ol' Neil put her down." This sparked a rivalry between Neil Young and Lynyrd Skynyrd, causing many people to believe the song was a clapback to Young. However, Lynyrd Skynyrd's guitarist, Ed King, argued it was purely playful, stating that "Neil Young is a great guy."
Other political themes in the song include the governor of Alabama being praised as opposed to the protests happening around the country during the Watergate scandal. The line "Now Watergate does not bother me, does your conscience bother you? Tell the truth," invites people to take a stand on what they believe and stand up for their values.
The song is an homage to the Southern lifestyle, praising Muscle Shoals and its music heritage by naming the house band, The Swampers. It speaks to the Alabama sky being so blue and the comfort of going home to a place that is familiar and lovingly calls it Sweet Home Alabama. The song is an excellent embodiment of Southern pride many hold to this day and helped cement the band as one of the most significant southern rock bands of all time.
Line by Line Meaning
Big wheels keep on turning
Life keeps spinning and moving forward, and we have to move with it.
Carry me home to see my kin
Take me back to my family and roots, where I belong.
Singing songs about the Southland
We celebrate and honor the southern United States with our music and culture.
I miss Alabamy once again and I think it's a sin, yes
I long for Alabama and feel guilty for leaving, as if I’ve betrayed my home.
Well, I heard Mister Young sing about her (southern man)
I heard a song by Neil Young where he criticized southern culture and people.
Well, I heard ol' Neil put her down
Neil Young insulted and looked down on the South.
Well, I hope Neil Young will remember
I hope Neil Young realizes that his opinions aren't necessarily the truth or the only perspective.
A southern man don't need him around, anyhow
Southern people don’t need Neil Young’s negativity or influence in their lives.
Sweet home Alabama
Alabama is a beloved and cherished home to me and many others.
Where the skies are so blue
The blue skies in Alabama are a symbol of beauty and hope.
Lord, I'm coming home to you
I’m coming back to Alabama because it’s where I feel most at home and at peace.
In Birmingham they love the Governor, boo, boo, boo
The people in Birmingham support and admire the Governor despite controversy, and this is their way of showing it.
Now we all did what we could do
We all did our best in a difficult situation or challenge.
Now Watergate does not bother me
I’m not affected or worried about the Watergate scandal that occurred in the early 70s.
Does your conscience bother you? Tell the truth
Do you feel guilty or ashamed of something you’ve done? Be honest and admit it.
Now Muscle Shoals has got the Swampers
Muscle Shoals, Alabama has a talented group of musicians, known as the Swampers, who are highly respected and appreciated.
And they've been known to pick a song or two (yes they do)
The Swampers are known for writing and playing great music.
Lord, they get me off so much
Their music lifts my spirits and makes me feel alive and happy.
They pick me up when I'm feeling blue, now how 'bout you?
Their music can have a positive effect on people and lift them up when they're feeling down. Do you feel the same way?
Sweet home Alabama, oh, sweet home, baby
Alabama is a comforting and welcoming place to me, like a home and a baby wrapped into one.
Where the skies are so blue and the governor's true
Alabama is a place where the sky is beautiful and the governor is trustworthy and honest.
My, Montgomery's got the answer
Montgomery has a solution or idea to a problem or question, and it’s worth considering.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Hipgnosis Songs Group
Written by: Ronnie Van Zant, Gary Robert Rossington, Edward C. King
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@LPJack02
RIP the ten members of Lynyrd Skynyrd
Ronnie Van Zant (January 15, 1948 – October 20, 1977), aged 29
Cassie Gaines (January 9, 1948 – October 20, 1977), aged 29
Steve Gaines (September 14, 1949 – October 20, 1977), aged 28
Larry Junstrom (June 22, 1949 – October 5, 2019), aged 70
Ed King (September 14, 1949 – August 22, 2018), aged 68
Bob Burns (November 24, 1950 – April 3, 2015), aged 64
Gary Rossington (December 4, 1951 – March 5, 2023), aged 71
Leon Wilkeson (April 2, 1952 – July 27, 2001), aged 49
Billy Powell (June 3, 1952 – January 28, 2009), aged 56
Allen Collins (July 19, 1952 – January 23, 1990), aged 37
You will be remembered as legends.
@squiltmaster7290
Jokes aside, first time i heard this song was the day my grandmother passed away. I’m not sure why but hearing it made me cry so hard. This song always makes me think of how kind and compassionate she was. RIP Grandma 🕊️🕊️
Also I had sex with my cousin.
@anotherHelldiver
2 types of comments here:
1. Deep, appreciative comments
2. Incest jokes
@Castilleta
1. Really true
2. I could only imagine Jeremy clarkson for how you wrote this comment
@LightDragon666
1- your analysis skills are inhuman
2- you have to be an inspector
@sh1eldo7
@@CastilletaMy genius, it's almost frightening
@antyrak7905
Jokes?
@UCMEY
jokes?
@stormyaviation5734
The song really brings the family together
@ShadowReaper-pu2hx
Yeah, it’s good for intimate family gatherings.
@shannonmodels9852
Too much togerher
@billsteeves2974
A song written to reply to a Neil Young song. So comparing Watergate to bullwhips and lynching's brings your family together?????