Another
response or retaliation song, this time probably the most famous, as two 1970s
performers traded blows to produce a resounding classic. Neil Young had been
very critical of the Southern USA on
"Southern Man" and "Alabama", calling out their racism, the
roots of slavery, and glorying in their Confederate past.
In 1974 Lynyrd
Skynyrd mustered a forceful rebuttal, "Sweet Home Alabama", a hefty
tribute to their homeland. Ironically none of the three Skynyrd co-writers came
from Alabama, but lead singer and lyricist Ronnie Van Zant felt determined to
defend the good and decent people who lived there, and not all were KKK zealots.
An
affectionate reference to "big wheels keep on turning" (from Credence
Clearwater Revival's "Proud Mary"), before he launches into Young, as
he chides "Well, I hope Neil Young will remember / A southern man don't
need him around, anyhow".
He waxes
nostalgic about Alabama's clear blue skies and the esteemed Muscle Shoals recording
studio. Southerners don't care about the national politics ("Watergate
does not bother me"), just local
issues (" they love the
Governor"). However any idea
that they approve the controversial segregationist George Wallace is dismissed
by the "boo, boo, boo". The following "Now we all did what we
could do" also seems deliberately open.
A resounding
response, but the music makes it legendary - a bluesy slab of country rock. One
of the most famous and compelling guitar riffs, reinforced by an exuberant
piano from Billy Powell. Even Northerners loved it. Van Zant's
vocals are impassioned and solid, with perfect sweet harmonies from the African-Americans Merry Clayton and Clydie
King.
Lynyrd
Skynyrd had made their point as it broke into the US top 10. However any antagonism
was exaggerated, as mutual respect prevailed. Neil Young later admitted that his
"Alabama" was heavy-handed, and theirs was much superior, while Van
Zant would often wear a Neil Young t-shirt, even on an album cover.
Tragically Lynyrd
Skynyrd's peak was short-lived, as they were decimated by a plane crash in 1977. But "Sweet Home Alabama" has flourished, a rallying cry for the South at
sporting events or for eager politicians, title of a Hollywood movie, and now promotes Alabama's tourism
industry. A sense of pride captured in a
classic rock tune.
Hear Now - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ye5BuYf8q4o
Hear Next -
"Free Bird: The Collection" is probably the best compilation
albums for newcomers.
** The book of "Song from a Quarantine" is now available on all Amazon sites in paperback and ebook formats - https://tinyurl.com/y43mbr2b
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