Lynryd Skynyrd - Free Bird - BBC Old Grey Whistle Test 1975

"Free Bird" is a power ballad performed by American rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd. The song was first featured on the band's debut album in 1973 and has been included on subsequent albums, including the unfaded-ending version of the original recording (featured on Skynyrd's Innyrds).

Released as a single in November 1974, "Free Bird" entered the Billboard Hot 100 on November 23 at No.87 and became the band's second Top 40 hit in early 1975, peaking at No. 19 on January 25. A live version of the song reentered the charts in late 1976, eventually peaking at No. 38 in January 1977.

"Free Bird" also achieved the No. 3 spot on Guitar World's 100 Greatest Guitar Solos.

It is considered to be Lynyrd Skynyrd's signature song, is used as a finale during their live performances, and is their longest song, often going well over 14 minutes when played live.

Lyrics

If I leave here tomorrow
Would you still remember me?
For I must be traveling on, now
Cause there's too many places I've got to see
But, if I stayed here with you, girl
Things just couldn't be the same
Cause I'm as free as a bird now
And this bird you can not change
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
And this bird you can not change
And this bird you can not change
Lord knows, I can't change

Bye, bye, baby, it's been a sweet love
Though this feeling I can't change
But please don't take it so badly
Cause Lord knows I'm to blame
But, if I stayed here with you, girl
Things just couldn't be the same
Cause I'm as free as a bird now
And this bird you'll never change
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
And this bird you can not change
And this bird you can not change
Lord knows, I can't change
Lord help me, I can't change
Lord, I can't change
Won't you fly high, free bird, yeah

Songwriters: Allen Collins / Ronnie Van Zant

Free Bird lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group