About The Song
“Free Bird” is a song by American rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd, written by guitarist Allen Collins and lead singer Ronnie Van Zant. The song was released on their 1973 debut studio album. It became the band’s second Top 40 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in early 1975, where it peaked at No. 19. The song is Lynyrd Skynyrd’s signature song, the finale during live performances, and their longest song, often going well over 14 minutes when played live. The song remains a staple of classic rock radio. Lynyrd Skynyrd performed “Free Bird” live at the Oakland Coliseum Stadium on July 2, 1977, which was recorded and released as a live album. The song’s lyrics carry the emotional depth that Lynyrd Skynyrd is known for, capturing both the liberation and loneliness of freedom.
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 cannot change.
And this bird you cannot change.
And this bird you cannot change.
Lord knows I can't change.
Bye, bye, baby, it's been a sweet love, yeah,
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.
And the bird you cannot change.
And this bird you cannot 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?