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)
"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