I messed this one up. Vocal ANALYSIS of Lynyrd Skynyrd's "Free Bird"
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- čas přidán 17. 12. 2023
- I have heard Lynyrd Skynyrd before (though I had to be reminded) and now knowing that I've heard a couple of their songs in the past, I know for a fact I've never heard "Free Bird" before. You know how I know? Because I made a really huge mistake. I made a promise I kept, and boy did it confuse me!
Join professional opera singer Elizabeth Zharoff, as she listens to Lynyrd Skynyrd perform "Free Bird" for the first time.
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Written and Performed by Lynyrd Skynyrd
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I definitely recommend watching the original video without interruptions. Here's the link: • Lynyrd Skynyrd - Free ...
Show Lynyrd Skynyrd some love: / @skynyrdofficial
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Elizabeth Zharoff is an international opera singer and voice coach, with 3 degrees in voice, opera, and music production. She's performed in 18 languages throughout major venues in Europe, America, and Asia. Currently based somewhere between Los Angeles and Tucson, Arizona, Elizabeth spends her days researching voice, singing, teaching, writing music, and recording TONS. She also plays Diablo and Dungeons & Dragons.
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Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing.
Non-profit, educational, or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use.
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#lynyrdskynyrd #Reaction #TheCharismaticVoice
------------- - Hry
It absolutely killed me when she goes "I won't pause until the vocals come back. I literally laughed and go "Poor thing doesn't even know.." 😂😂
I got the chuckles when she said it sounds like a driving song. "OH YOU DON'T KNOW YET"
If she could just stop Yapping for a while
@@glenncanale9225 I think her yapping is kind of the point of the channel. If you just want to hear the song, there are plenty of places to see and hear it.
I know, me too! Oh and 'This is really going on a long time' Elizabeth, IT KEEPS GOING!!!!! 🤣🤣🤣
yep, she has no idea she's listening to one of the all-time rock and roll riffs and jams - Rossington and Collins!! Reminds me of the Felder and Walsh duet on Hotel California!!
Elizabeth's face when she realized you guys gave her a track that is 75% guitar solo was priceless 😂
28:20 for anyone looking lol
and all the bendings!!!!
be glad its not the extended version. We still might be watching the premier.
About the 26 mark she looks concerned and hasnt even got started good. lol
Do, Green grass and high times! By the Outlaws
Legend has it the live encore version is still being played in heaven.
Ricky Bobby said so LOL
This is 100 percent true
Like The Rightous Brothers said " If there's a rock and roll heaven, then you know they've got a helluva band. "
This is done by all electric guitars, bass, drums, and piano. No machines. Just talent.
An acoustic as well for rhythm.
I understand your point but that is not all true. They used analog gear and effect pedals. Those are machines.
And tube amps. Tube amps are that sound you can't quite define that makes 70s and 60s rock n'roll sound that way.
Guys... do you all realize that Elizabeth JUST heard Freebird... for the FIRST time
This is absolutely a musical right of passage
Love it for her!
That just blows my mind , I would love to have a conversation with her . I'm not sure how much she was sheltered growing up . I would like to know her age compared to mine, not that it's my business but that it would explain a few things. But what a delightful soul , better late than never .
I envy here 😂
i blows my mind that someone like her who lives for music hasn't heard freebird before..
@@dannyrangel2431do you know anything of her age ? I would love to know, being a teen during this music and SHE enjoys it makes me smile so much.
@debras1503 Unfortunately, I don't. I agree that her reactions are so genuine . I adore it.
"This feels like a good driving song"
Me (doing 200MPH on a 60 zone): "Yup"
The typa song dom has on during fast and furious
What’s the saying, if you’re listening to Freebird while driving and not hitting triple digits by the end of the solo, are you really even listening?
@@Tater-yy8hw IKR? rewind and try again
The kind of song that makes you keep driving the block because the song is too good!
Yep. I routinely exceeded the speed limit in my 1980 Trans Am any time I had this song playing on my tape deck. 🤠
Elizabeth is a national treasure and must be protected at all cost.
Elizabeth is an international treasure! She's even married to a Scotsman. 😄
And she is really beautiful at that...
I love her channel, and when she discovers the songs of our childhood and teens.
The 70's and 80's sucked, but there are some really beautiful moments...
@@JamesBurris340 Watch your words, the 70s and 80s delivered the best hits of the century
@@JamesBurris340 I'll agree that the late 70s and eighties sucked but music from 68 to 76 is killer! At the end she looked like she'd just had well, you know...
"This feels like a good driving song"... if you could add up all the mileage of all the cars in the world while been driving to this song, it would probably take you more than halfway to Alpha Centauri
And, yes, I relate to idea of the dueling guitars being like your brain trying to process a great idea
"Your honour, in my defence, Free Bird was playing"
😂
“Innocent!”
*bangs gavel*
“Next case”
😂😂😂
The prosecution does fully understand the situation, your Honour. But our case isn't that the defendant was driving at speed through a 30mph zone. The prosecution brings its case because the defendant was doing ONLY 150mph! This is far too slow for this track, your Honour. The prosecution rests their case.
Now you have heard the studio version you need to see the live version unbelievably it takes this song to another level
Just make sure it’s one with Ronnie.
Live Oakland version.
I concur!
Gary Rossington Plays Free Bird For The Final Time | Lynyrd Skynyrd Live at Ryman Auditorium 2022 this live version is my new go to in my playlist, SO F-in GOOOOD!!
How the hell can this song ever be elevated to another level? Skynyrd: hold our beers.
Imagine Ronnie prowling around the stage while the band is playing Tuesday's Gone, Saturday Night Special, Whiskey Rock-a-Roller, Gimme Back My Bullets, Sweet Home Alabama AND THE, after 90 minutes of all that, they leave the stage and didn't play this song. The crowd is going wild chanting, "FREEBIRD...FREEBIRD...FREEBIRD!!! Then, the lights go out, the band comes out, the lights come back on and the first licks of Freebird waft up to the rafters. Men grab their women and hug, women are on their mens' shoulders, for the sweet lyrical part. Then, the lift off of the FREEBIRD and all pandemonium breaks out as arms are lifted into the air, clapping in time with the music. I saw this wopnderful band at least a dozen times between 1976-1977. They never disappointed us, the fans.
Nobody ever mention that Mr Rossington is mimic-ing at least 3 birds singing in his guitar solos. I always thought that was too cool
You really hear it in the live version
Ahhhh Yes! The 1970's! When a 9 minute studio song could turn into a 48 minute live performance basically every show 😂
Oh man Alen Collins beat the tune out his explorer by the end of this.
I wish…these days
JAM BANDS!
This was the cutest thing ever! Thank you for honoring my father and his band mates. But I have to ask. HOW HAVE YOU NEVER HEARD THIS SONG BEFORE?!? 😂😂
That was my question!
Better late than never, I guess.
Oh, and in my neck of woods, we used his full name. Have to in order to differentiate between the brothers. 😊
Billy Powell is your Dad? (RIP)
Billys live intro to freebird is a masterpiece. My fav band ever.God Bless them
Thanks to your dad! Great times. RIP
A big R.I.P. for your Dad and band mates. Truly a timeless masterpiece. Love your Dad's talent most when listening to They Call Me Breeze.
One of the things I really love about the live versions is watching Allen Collins stand there, almost unnoticeable, like the most unassuming guy in the world...and then he steps forward and damn near takes your face off! One of the greatest tracks ever committed to tape!
It still makes me shiver. We will never have music like this again. Back when it really was art.
One of the most iconic songs ever made. Best version is live 1977 in Oakland
Nope, best version is on "One More from the Road," from the Fox Theater in Atlanta. Sadly, no video though.
💯
You're underselling it. It is THE best song ever made!
@@musicismyfriend7919 Agreed. Best song in history, even beats Stairway...
Absolutely 💯% Oakland 77’ … the 3 piece guitar solo is the tightest live performance I have ever seen.
As far as we know the solo is still going and has never stopped. They just flew away.
Flew away….. that is such an ironic comment… ❤
Along with Arecibo Message
... but they come back seasonnaly to say Hi !!!
Growing up in the 60's / 70s, we always referred to this style as 'Southern Rock', of which Lynyrd Skynyrd certainly was a part of !
I am 63 years old and I absolutely was taken back to when I was 13 years old in 1973 when I first heard this song warning up my parents car at church. I know you have so many to read but I have been waiting on you to do this song. Watching you took me back to when I was 13 and your reaction was like mine. It was like you and I traveled through time together and I loved watching you. Such a beautiful place you took me too. I could go on and on but thank you for taking me back 50 years ago. I enjoyed so much watching you. You are awesome watching our favorites and seeing your experience.
Same age as you. Let me know if get that portal open to 1973. I'll be there.
I will do that. It would be a heck of a ride.
The band was formed by a group of high school friends in Jacksonville, FL. Their gym teacher’s name was Leonard Skinner. He was a strict disciplinarian, didn’t like kids wearing long hair, and gave some of the band members detentions. In a way to sort of mock him they came up with the name Lynyrd Skynyrd. After the band became known, Skinner found out they were playing with his name and was not happy and threatened to sue. When they got really big they patched things up with him and he actually became friends with the band. When he retired from teaching he opened up a bar and Skynyrd band showed up for a surprise concert.
Amazing, thx for sharing ✌
Leonard also told them that they would never amount to anything in life.
I see Donnie Van Zant every now and again in the Orange Park Walgreens, where my mother works. She used to be neighbors of the Van Zants when they lived in Jacksonville, when they were first starting out as a band. My grandfather couldn't stand all the loud noises coming from their house and even called the cops on them.
The Van Zants now live in Lake Asbury, Clay County, Florida and band and family memorials are all over the county.
What a great fun fact!!
My dad and uncle actually grew up not far from them I’m so jealous
Who else started laughing when she said she'd let it play until vocals returned? 😂
I love this song! Definitely check out the live version, you won't regret it. And please do more Lynyrd Skynyrd!
Also check out "The Weight" by The Band, I think you'll really enjoy it. There's a great version they do with the Staples, but I think you should check out the original first.
Got to be honest, I skipped to about 15 minutes from the end to see how Elizabeth did a vocal analysis on the awesome instrumental 😎, her reaction was great 😅
I was watching her expressions while waiting for the vocals. 😂
I did. Also earlier, when she went on about how much she loved the fluid tempo change; "Buckle up girlie, that's just a taste of what's to come." @@johnabbey1659
"They're coming back in, right?" 😂😂😂😂
Yeah, I started chuckling when she said that... 😆
S'prise s'prise. No more vocals. That is one of the beauties of Free Bird -- the hypnotic, interweaving guitar section, along with the tempo variations, the Bolero-like crescendo throughout, and the orgasmic release near the end. Epic writing.
I'm glad to see a reaction video to the studio version, and not the live version.
Ronnie wrote about life and things that happened to him or other band members. That smell, Needle and a Spoon, Gimme Three Steps is about an incident at a Bar in Mississippi. His inspiration to be a singer was Paul Roger’s when he was with Free.
The long solo was not meant to be that long originally but long enough for Ronnie to rest his voice long enough for the next song however the guys couldn't help themselves 😅and blessed us with one of the greatest solos and a many speeding tickets 😂
Ronnie: Hey guys, mind playing for a minute or two after I'm done singing so I can rest? Rossingon/Collins et al: bet.
And it kept getting longer the more they played it in the beginning. 😂
It did make me laugh when she said it was a good driving song early on. Very dangerous song to listen to while driving...
yeah....i got my first run in with the law because of this song....its accurate...i was 17 and dumb...but it was freebird
i had my first run in with the police at 17 with this song....first time a cop pulled a gun on me...they heard freebird in the back and gggot another call..and said....dudes just rocking out....2nd time...i was runover by a semi truck at 70miles an hour...i love this song. but im weary*
I played this song at my wife’s funeral because this was her favorite Skynyrd song. It was my way of saying goodbye to her one last time…
First heard this song at 11, maybe 12.
I've always felt huge emotion from this song, and my youngest son was working hard to learn this on guitar before he started college.
He was killed by a drunk driver, and this was the final song at his funeral, I felt in in entirely different way then. It still comes on the radio on days I feel overwhelmed, along with "out my back door" by CCR, or "crazy" by Celo green, which was his song on MySpace. 15 years and our energy connection is so strong these songs randomly come on while I'm driving, in tears. And I feel that his energy still surrounds me, too.
SO happy I found this from you it makes me laugh, I cannot believe this was your first time hearing Free Bird. My mom was married to Ronnie, Johnny and Donnie VanZant's second cousin Wes VanZant (our step-dad). This band was a MUST listen to for years growing up, and frankly, still is. Lynyrd Skynyrd was definitely our favorite out of all the VanZant boys bands. (Donnie was in 38Special, The Johnny VanZant Band) It was so devastating when Ronnie died, many a tear shed. Glad you got to enjoy it as much as we did/do FOREVER and EVER, AMEN LOL!!!! Love your channel!
The Queen of stopping the song right at the most hooky parts. Yanking the water away just before the thirsty person gets a drop on their parched lips. I LOVE IT.
I know! Pauses just at the end of the vocals and you’re like “… but the guitars…THE GUITARS ARE COMING!!”
@@Turk2112 "FLAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAIAIAIAI FREEEEEEE BIIIIIRRRRRR----" [hits pause] you know the interesting thing about this vocal timbre is...
The tease
Have you heard her do anything Rise Against? It's so brutal! I love it!
When she did given up by linkin park, she’d stop in the middle of his scream, and talk about how long it is but not knowing it goes on even longer
The live performance of Freebird in Oakland coliseum in 1977 is one of the most incredible live performances of all-time by any rock band period. If you don't react to the live version, you should at least view it for yourself personally.
I was born during that concert! 😂😂😂
I think she really should do a reaction to the live Oakland Version. There is a lot of interesting singing technique for her to analyze.
I concur. And live is always best with this band
No, the best is at Knebworth!
The 1976 performance is the absolute best as far as the final solo. check it out.
THE MOST IMPORTANT GUITAR BREAK IN ROCK HISTORY!! Love your waiting for the lyrics that never re-emerge....
I think Freebird is one of the most important songs of all-time. Magnified by their tragedy, it captures the spirit of not only the words but the importance of living life to the fullest. You just never know when it will end.
My husband made it a tradition that on their last day of high school, he picked up our children, blaring Free Bird in his jeep with sides and top off. The kids loved it and our third child insisted to be picked up on her last day of 8th grade with the same. She had told her friends and teachers and they were all dancing when he rounded the corner. Enjoyed your reaction and , like others, chuckled when you said you were waiting for the vocals to come in.
Love it!
Elizabeth, you didn't mess up. You hadn't heard the song before so there was no way you could have known that the vocals didn't come back. And I knew you had "got it" the first time you said the word "longing". That was an amazing analysis of a true rock classic. Thank you. And Merry Christmas to you and the family from England.
AGREE!! That's just part of discovery, right!!?? ...and, MERRY CHRISTMAS to ALL!
Yep you got it!! The vocals ain't coming back, not unlike the bird ;)
And she talked about longing within what, 10 or 15 seconds of the start of the song? She's pretty darn amazing...
Liz, you are one of a kind, you are an INCREDIBLE listener and combined with your musical knowledge and passion/child-like sense of wonder, you are in a league of your own in the world of music reactors. It's as much fun for us to watch you react as it is for you to discover new things. Bravo.
I was blessed to see Lynyrd Skynrd live at the Bicentennial concert in 1976, California. What a great band, great songs!
I cannot begin to imagine an existence in which I did not hear Free Bird until I was a grown adult. This song is not just in my blood, it is in my bones. This is one of those few songs that makes everyone stop talking and sing along any time it comes on the radio. I'm glad you have finally gotten the chance to experience it!
So well said! You might like this quick story...as much as I loved Free Bird when it came out, for the next 45 years or so- till maybe 5 years ago- I always thought Ronnie's final lyrics were "won't you flyyyyyyyy oh free bird" instead of "won't you flyyyyy high free bird". I never heard that word "high"! I was horrified when I realized...listen to it both ways, you'll see what I was always missing, the word "high" really adds something important to the overall feel of the song. That's as close as I can come to hearing Skynyrd for the first time, like Elizabeth is. Anyway, just thought I'd share, thanks!
It's astounding to me. It's been used in so many movies and TV shows it seems impossible to avoid such a prevalent part of pop culture for the past 50 years.
Born in Ms’Sippy in 1975, I can’t remember any point of my existence not knowing Freebird.
Weird isn't it? And it used to in the top 3 of 'greatest rock songs of all time' lists. But I must admit it seems to have fallen out of favour in the last decade or two. I've not come across it for a while after hearing it innumerable times in the 80s and 90s. I can see how people of Elizabeth's age who didn't get into rock until recently could have avoided it.
I always felt like "Freebird" was to Lynyrd Skynyrd as "Stairway to Heaven" was to Led Zepplin. Each one the iconic song for each group. Just loved watching you experience it for the first time.
Maybe, but it's FAR from their best song.
@@arthurbishop3173
Agreed. It is not Skynyrd's best song in my opinion too. But neither is Stairway to Heaven the best song Zep ever made. But in both cases, each was the song that concert goers always wanted to hear.
@@arthurbishop3173 you are correct, this was by far not the only song, it was NOT in any way just one song, what made Skynyrd was they were all a family, and close, their sound "just formed" as they went, and once they perfected it.....that was it!
In the mid 70’s juke boxes always played 3 long rock song well4
Stairway to Heaven
Freebird
Hotel California
More than a feeling
Every bar pool hall etc had rhem abs evey day they would play
Funny you mentioned these two songs. For I remember, back in the day. At school dances when they were played. Everyone would start out slow dancing, then as the music progressed it turned into a head banger dance. They both bring back fond memories from my teen years.
Love seeing the reactions to a jam I’ve loved for almost 50 years 👍😎
I listen to the lyrics and they still give me goosebumps all these 50(?) years later.
Its really difficult to imagine not having known this song for most of my life much less having never heard it before.
This is priceless. Elizabeth you had me laughing. Good job.
"So the vocals are going to come back in now?" Nope, the guitars are the vocals, and it's one of few examples of a really long guitar run that doesn't leave you wishing it would just end. If I looped it for an hour, it would hit just as hard the last time as it did the first time, and I know this because it's been hitting the same since it's release, and on the live album. People have suggested the live version at Oakland in '77, and it's a great version, but for me, when the first solo break comes I still hear "Play it pretty for Atlanta", from the live album.
The southern version is, "Play it purty for Atlanta! "
Ronnie Van Zant was always Ronnie Van Zant... His buddies probably called him Ronnie, but it was always his full name used by others as far as I know. Free Bird was written in honor of Duane Allman, another Southern Rock superstar who left this life a little earlier than expected.
It was often dedicated to Duane, but it was not written about him. Freebird was written in 1970. The opening lines are something Allen's girlfriend said to him during an argument when they were in high school.. Freebird, with the long solo, was played at their wedding in 1970.
Thanks Elizabeth.
Always a favorite, but especially so for a dear friend who was known to load the jukebox with this on repeat for an evening.
His passing in '21 now makes this one I can't get through without tears.
"If you don't like Skynyrd, there's the f*cking door!"
Miss you, Scooter.
Yes dear Elizabeth we all laughed when you said “I am not going to pause until the vocals come back in”. You also were right about this would a great driving song I wonder how many speeding tickets have been written when FREE BIRD (guitars) kicks in.
I’m a musician who makes instrumental hard rock/metal in my home studio, not a vocalist at all, but the reason I love this channel so much (above all other channels of this style) is because of the appreciation, admiration and attention given to every aspect of each song that is analyzed. You literally just listened to the entire Freebird solo and even rewound parts to listen again…on a vocal channel. Lol. Awesome!! I love the wide range of music reviewed here too. I’m so glad I discovered this channel several months ago.
I was thinking - there isn't a whole lot of vocals to analyse in Freebird. How is this a 37 minute video? Now I know.
The girl knows her music! Doesn't matter what she's reacting to, it's always an educated critique from someone who actually 100% what she's talking about.
Highly recommend "Tuesday's Gone" to feel their full range, and "The Ballad of Curtis Loew" because it's such a beautiful, heartfelt song.
💯!
Ditto!!
YES!!
*YES* to "Curtis Loew"!
@TheZenaxa definitely a less popular banger that needs more attention. Skynard had so many great songs. Tuesday's gone, Curtis lowe, they call me the breeze, needle and the spoon, gimme 3 steps, the hunt.. so many unique songs and so many people probably haven't heard unless they were true skynard fans
I swear, watching others find so much pleasure and enjoyment in the same, it’s so satisfying to the point of goosebumps. I absolutely enjoyed the full scoped review into this beloved song. Thank you from a fellow music lover.
It’s Ed King and Gary. Allen is playing the rhythm on this part. A great recorded live performance is them. In ‘77 I think. Great Britain. Opening for The Rolling Stones. Thanks for featuring this unforgettable band.
The opening line “if I leave here tomorrow would you still remember me “ was spoken to guitarist Allen Collins by his wife and it struck Ronnie Van Zandt so much that he wrote the lyrics to the song.
even after sixty years, "freebird" still gives me goosebumps.😊
As an old guy now, I get emotional when the organ starts.
I'm new to this channel. I am so glad that I found you! I grew up in the 70's in the Philippines. This and among other 70's rock groups is the music album of my life.
Thanks for making me remember the most meaningful music . Please keep it going. Watching you dissect the music and listening to your learned opinions makes me appreciate my music more with a deeper understanding and love.🤙
I am hopelessly in love with her! Her love of music is the most attractive trait I have ever experienced. And she is just beautiful beyond words in every way you can quantify. Somebody is luckiest person on earth to get to share a life with her. Kudos Elizabeth! You make my heart smile.
I think our human ears 👂 pick up on the fact that these are actual musicians playing all these instruments and are mind knows that the slight imperfections make this song absolutely PERFECT!!
Sometimes, those little imperfections make the song more relatable, more REAL. Modern day music has autotune (that many artists don't like) that removes some of the humanity from the song.
@@davidhelsem8794
Exactly 👍🏻!!
@@davidhelsem8794 The auto-snap-to timing sucks too. Rick Beato (sp?) did that to John Bohnam and it ruined the feel. Just terrible!
The slide guitar was by Gary Rossington, who just recently passed, but was a master of pouring pure emotion into his guitar playing.
Ed King was also a part of the mix at that time, 3 lead guitarists...
Love Gary Rossington's playing in their music. RIP.
RIP Gary the last founding member of this iconic group!!!
3 lead guitars
@@pineyhillhe only played bass on this song in the studio. But he did move to guitar on the next album.
I truly love your wonderful insights on all the little things that make songs beautiful.
When I worked in radio 40 years ago the live version of this song from "One More from the Road" was what most DJs played when nature called or perhaps an avid female listener of the station stopped by late at night. No one ever complained if it played 2 or 3 times in an overnight 2 am to 5:50 am shift. "Freebird" was the final encore during Skynyrd's reunion tour in 1987 and at the time it was played as an instrumental, the band placed a microphone with one of Ronnie's hats on it at center stage in a spotlight, and the crowd sang the lyrics. Not a dry eye in the house.
If at all possible you need to see the 1977 concert at the Oakland Coliseum - it is one of the most iconic musical experiences ever. I’m a Led Zeppelin fan but this performance by Lynyrd Skynyrd is unbelievable. I cry every time. I was born in AL, raised in FL, lived in GA, now I’m in Alabama again. This band is in our DNA.
We'd have a 90 minute reaction video :)
@@DemonaeTV yay!!
Southern rock at its finest!
Yes!
Yes it does.... what a shame that we did not get more; they were going to blow the top off of the industry
I think SIMPLE MAN should be the next Skynyrd song Elizabeth checks out. Ronnie's vocals during the chorus! ♥️🎶
& Curtis Lowe
Or the Shinedown cover, even
I think it would be hilarious to see Elizabeth react to Mississippi Kid.
@@kederaji Insert "Why not both?" meme.
Shes done the shinedown cover and also talked to brent smith for like an hour one zoom on here before. If you get a chance watch the shinedown simple man recation she does.
I always enjoy all of your reactions. Especially how you are able to break down all the instruments as they come in. If you have not reacted to the live version you need to. I’ve seen them live abs they are awesome! I’m 71 and still love my 60’s and 70’s artist.
It makes my heart so happy to watch you analyze & fall in love with all of my favorite songs for the first time! 😊
One of the best things in the world is hearing this song for the first time, the thing that’s best, next to that feeling is seeing someone else hear this song for the first time.
Next best thing to hearing this song for the first time, is hearing it over and over again!
This thing makes me think of a 900cc Harley cranked up , screaming down an open road. It also reminds me of a big block late 60s mid-sized car roaring down the same road. These improvisational guitar tuns follow the country jams that folks went to the Saturday party to hear.
The first time I heard this song in 1974 I was sitting halfway up a mountain smoking a joint, in Alaska.
I was cackling with glee when you said you never heard this before, not because I'd wish it upon anyone to be bereft of this masterpiece, but because I knew we (the viewers) would be going on an epic musical journey with you. 🤗
Thank you for doing this song. Lynyrd Skynyrd is my all-time favorite band and I loved watching you experience Free Bird for the first time.
Thank you, Elizabeth- Excellent.
Let's not forget that not only did Ronnie's little brother Johnny take over as the lead vocalist for Skynyrd, but his other brother founded and sang for another very successful southern rock band, .38 Special. Pretty damn talented family.
In concert on Oct 26 this year Johnny sang with his brother who was projected on screen.
I was coming to mention Donnie.
I'm 46 and live in TN and I hate to say I did not know that.
while i enjoyed Skynyrd growing up in the pacific northwest, my Mount Rushmore of bands were the Alman Brothers, Molly hatchet, Edgar winters group & .38 special, Donnie's song to his brother Take Me Back still brings tears to my eyes
Similar to the Van Halen family; Their father was professional in an orchestra, & his sons Alex & Eddie...Well, we already know about *them.*
I played this song to my Kenyan wife as we drove hundreds of miles in the dark through Deepest Darkest Africa (seriously). She likes R&B and hasn't been exposed to much rock. Her response was similar to yours - pure joy. She was driving. Motoring down a long dark road. She was getting into the first half, because it's a nice ballad and is quite complex and not too much like hard rock. She noted similar things about the age of the track and the singing. Then we hit the fast bit. She laughed and looked confused, and after the singing was done looked at me, said, "Really?" and started rocking out to it. First and only time I've ever seen her do that. At the end, just like you, she was smiling ear to ear. She loved it.
Well is monster music time if she likes skiynyrd Allman bros Marshall tucker grand funk Atlantic rhythm section elvin bishop fooled around an fell in love well this is a very short guide 😂enjoy
Just finding you and loving it. This video being released on my birthday was just an extra cherry on top!
One of the greatest American rock anthems of all time. Rossington and Collins twin guitars, taking turns as lead was inspired. If you’ve ever watched the show “Roadies” Ron White plays a legendary roadie for Skynard and he tells the story of their life and death. It’s one other sweetest and saddest episodes in TV history IMO
The poem Charlie Daniels wrote on the way to Ronnie Van Zant's funeral, which was then inscribed onto a bench at his grave -
A brief candle, both ends burning
And endless mile, a bus wheel turning
A friend to share a lonesome time
A handshake and a sip of wine
Say it loud and let it ring
That we're all part of everything
The future, present and the past
Fly on proud bird, you're free at last.
I had never heard this before, what a beautiful story.
"This feels like a good driving song." Yes. Yes, it is. However, Elizabeth, please, please, please promise us that you will never, never, ever, ever drive to this song... 😅 UNLESS you happen to have a safe place you can drive 200MPH and over, without realizing it, and without hurting yourself or anyone else. Okay? Promise! Haha, this song and driving way too fast, and losing control, is both infamous and a meme, at this point. 🚑❤❤❤
That how I listen to Rebel Yell.
Better to drive to this than to Dragonforce.
It's called "cruise control" my dude
@@spartanRko2001 Driving to Dragonforce is how you end up being intercepted by an F-16.
I kinda want to make a spotify playlist called "Songs to Run from the Cops" and this would be the last on the list.
The way you review my favourite songs with such a wonderful smile - thank you.
That song picked up a whole lot when Steve Gaines and The honkets an billy powell on piano brought it to the next level ❤REST IN PEACE, LYNYRD SKYNYRD,LYNYRD SKYNYRD. WHAT SONG IS IT U WANT TO HEAR❤
For those unaware Free Bird was written as a EULOGY for Duane Allman. That explains the incredible slide solo from Gary Rossington as a nod to one of the GREATEST Slide Players ever!
We all know.
@@ricemiddalumni I imagine 99+% of fans of 70s Southern Rock would know both - the song was a Eulogy to Duane Allman as well as - knowing Duane Allman is one of the greatest slide players ever, he's certainly the greatest ROCK&ROLL Slide Player I've ever heard - but that doesn't mean everyone checking out this channel, and this particular reaction video, knows it!
Hats off to those that know it already as well as those who are just finding this out!
PLAY FREE BIRD!
You are wrong, sir. Although Ronnie used it as an eulogy for both Duane and Berry Oakley after their deaths, the song was written long before their passings. The origins of Freebird came from Allen Collins" wife, then girlfriend, Karen, when she asked him," if I died today, would you still remember me tomorrow?"
This is one of the few songs where it’s safe to do a separate analysis of the live versions.
I really never thought I'd see someone experience Free Bird FOR THE FIRST TIME. Elizabeth, the solos may have been long but it was so necessary to your rock history education haha! Loved this video! Thanks for the joy!
You see this is what we used to call rock and roll
This and simple man are possibly my two favorite songs of all times and this is coming from a french canadian that lived in the us of a from 1970-1975 which were the best years for rock and roll
It’s a guitar trio, they had three lead guitarists! And when you listen to the live version, please share that with us as well. I hope you have a Merry Christmas!
They only had 2 guitars and a bass when the studio version was recorded. Gary was on the slide and the solo was just Allen. There was a second track laid over the first. Leon had left the band temporarily and Ed was playing bass here.
Correct live with Steve Gaines !!!
Thanks for the good knowledge!
@@ElizabethJohnson-ss4ce There's an English TV recording from the early days of the band with just Rossington and Collins on guitar where you can see Collins hit just about everything in the solo, switching back and forth between the main lead and the harmony bits from measure to measure. It's a tour de force performance from one of rock's finest guitarists.
@@mrz80 The Old Grey Whistle Test 1975. I think that one might be my favorite. Did you notice Allen slip on his first jump and almost fall on his butt? I also like Winterland '76, another one with just Allen and Gary.
The ending guitar solo is even more epic and longer than 6 minutes in the live Oakland concert version... worth a separate reaction, so many other variants in it, all as spectacular as the next...
Plus the full ending that they used at their live shows.
Ronnie VanZant was the quintessential lead singer, his humility on LP and stage continues to remain unmatched, allowing the musicians to carry the music to the audience while never inserting himself into the mix except when the song called for it.
I absolutely loved watching your reaction to this masterpiece! If there was ever a perfect example of the essence of Southern Rock, you picked it, Elizabeth! Thank you for what you do here. It's so informative and educational listening to your analyses. God bless you. Much love! :)
Lynyrd Skynyrd is how Ronnie Van Zandt and Allan Collins spelled the name of the band after a High School gym Teacher that they didn't like. The gym teacher's name was Leonard Skinner. They named the band as a sarcastic way to irritate the teacher even though they were out of school. Listen to the live version from 1977 played at candlestick park. Elizabeth, you do a fantastic job with your channel. I wish you & Kirk and the new baby ALL THE BEST!
This should have way more upvotes. I hope Elizabeth sees it. Leonard Skinner was a person! Just not a band member 🤣
This song is about Duane Allman from "The Allman Brothers." He died in a motorcycle accident. RIP.
@@walkawaycat431 Collins wrote it before Allman's death. "If I leave here tomorrow, would you still remember me?" was what his then-girlfriend said to him and he wrote it down. It's about a relationship where the man can't settle down with his woman because he's called to the road. Collins and his wife married in 1970, so he did end up settling down with her.
The guitar riffs are Allman-esque, influenced by his style. The band dedicated the song to him in concerts because of that connection.
@cyn4476 OK. You obviously know more than I do about it.
@@walkawaycat431 I looked it up after others were talking about Duane Allman in another discussion a few years ago. I knew it was his guitar playing that they were doing the dedications for and it didn't make sense that it was about his death because the words are about a relationship. I didn't fully know the rest of the back story until I looked into it.
Keep learning new things! 💙
At our middle school dances back in the 70s, people always requested this song and Stairway to Heaven. To think two such masterpieces were created within a few years of each other is mind boggling.
You requested them because they were long so you had a reason to dance for a longer time. They are incredible songs
Back then we were so spoiled when it came to music
I'm so envious of my Dad growing up in the 70's and seeing all these bands live. I was brought up listening to classic rock through his influence, so my benchmark has always been high!
@@controlfreak3587 agreed
All of our school discos of the 80s we had this as the last song of the night
I love your analytics! Thank you so much. I’m learning some things from you. I’d have to say that Ronnie’s lyrics and his singing are all completely from the heart. Nothing more, nothing less. Just my take from listening and learning about who these people are/ were. Can’t imagine music without them.
This was my high school class song (1998). I was familiar long before and it’s a staple in my repertoire to this day. It’s amazing that you haven’t heard this until now, but I’m thrilled your channel and community members have brought it to you. They have marvelous songs.
I absolutely love this channel. The genuine love of music without a whisper of genre-snobbery or prejudice is so crisply refreshing. I'm somehow 54 already, and a good chunk of what's interpreted here is music I've heard uncountable times to the point of it being nearly inert in my heart today when it was alive to me decades ago. Your enthusiasm for what music is and can communicate has enlivened the joy I originally had when first hearing these particular songs and really has renewed their energy for me. I love how you pick out and highlight even subtle nuances that have been paved over and suffocated by time and repetition for many of us and give the love back to the talent that crafted it all. I remember the first time hearing this song and getting all the emotions, and I also remember hearing this song for the millionth time in a supermarket as "classic rock" background noise; just thanks for letting me hear it again for the first time.
I’m 36 and your comment is spot on I find myself listening to music differently now
I'm 59 and TOTALLY AGREE!! 👍💯♥️♥️♥️🎸🤟🇺🇲
Very well said. I agree completely.
I’m ex music industry, and Elizabeth helped me love music again. She’s so amazing.
My understanding is that most people stop listening to "new" music in their late 20s. I'm not one of those people. I'm getting to be an older man (67 in less than a month), but I have continued to enjoy new R&R my whole life. Unfortunately, the market I am in is a little lacking in new R&R. 😢😢😢😢 But, I can still enjoy the oldies, too. Just not constantly.
OMG it's lump-in-my-throat time. I swear if I had an ability to sing, there's no way I could sing this song because this was my father's favorite song from his favorite band. He took his own life when I was 14. I'm 57 now and I can still hear my dad singing the song on the radio on a road trip. Damn here comes the teary eyes. Thank you Elizabeth. What a memory!
Music can bring up so many emotions, feelings, and memories. Sorry about your father, but this song is a good way to remember him.
I get so much joy watching you experience the music that is so important to my life story - you really need to watch this song live, the one with Ronnie Van Ant and the origional members of the band
thank you for adding great fun to my day
@18:10 or so - I never really heard that string section sound! I grew up with FreeBird as an ANTHEM but never really LISTENED for that string section effect that Billy Powell played there! GREAT CATCH...but I'm pretty sure it was a keyboard effect.
You hit the nail on the head Elizabeth at the end of your excellent reaction when you said at 36:04 "This must be incredible live" -- you have no idea just how incredible until you've reacted to the July 2, 1977 Oakland Coliseum version here on YT! Please consider a "re-reaction" (so to speak) to that live performance, it would be so interesting to hear your thoughts now that you've experienced the studio version, and of course you'll get an accurate time capsule perspective of just how amazing Ronnie, Gary, and the rest of the members were in such a huge live stadium venue, not to mention an absolutely beautiful piano solo, not found on the studio version, by the late great Billy Powell. And oh those '70s fashions and suntanned young ladies in the crowd, takes me right back to my '70s teen years! Thanks for your terrific channel. ☮️
It can’t be overstated, do the live version. It’s earth moving. ❤
YES!! Reaction to the live version.
Grew up in the 70s and Graduated High School in 79 you could have called this the theme song of our era. Every local band had to cover "Free Bird" with various results but it was always requested. Even years later you will still get this generational connection with this song.
Same. Class of ‘79 and every school dance and bar cover band played this. It gets better with age. I guess when you attach 40+ years of memories to a song it becomes special.
One of my friends insisted on taking me to see them live in 1977. I didn't know them well, but I went along. It was just 6 weeks before the plane crash, my only chance ever to see them. The support band was Clover on their first international tour, before they became Huey Lewis and the News.
Watching the the live version from '77 in Oakland is pretty much a requirement. It's one of the best live performances you will see from any genre or any time.
The concert at Oakland remains the definitive live performance of almost any record. Not only because of the guitars totally playing off each other, but the bass line powering away gets a go at front & centre .
I agree do the live version from Oakland it's amazing. Also, give Creedence Clearwater Revival a listen I say Bad Moon Rising to start with.
With due respect Knebworth 76 is much better show and Freebird is like no other you have seen or heard. Allen goes ballistic
They cut about a minutes' worth of the solo in the Oakland video. Listen to Free Bird from One More From The Road live at the Fox for the whole solo.
The 1976 Georgia performance is better.
I Live in Augusta where can I find the 76 Georgia vid of them playing??
@@cspaikido
Omg what planet are you on? I’m 50 and have loved this incredible band my whole life, I watched all the videos read the book have all the cd’s yes!!! Cd not a day goes by I don’t listen to skynryd. The song writing is amazing from Ronnie and Allen and Gary and Steve!!! The song simple man I sang to my baby boy the first two years of his life. Rocked him to sleep😀 I can’t get through that song without tears. That’s my boy and I raised him to be simply that. So he’s been simple , but and I sang to him you find a girl and you’ll find love… and he did!!! They been together 10 years finally married in 2021 it took 30!!! Years for the mother son dance at his wedding. I sang the whole song to him and we both could hardly keep it together. His smile the whole time meant everything! I raised my kids with 70s 80s Sinatra country old and 2000s hip hop rnb Linda ronstant melanie( who was a Ukrainian singer and were Ukrainian she was like a flower child. Me and my son enjoyed concerts of korn disturbed Pearl Jam … my 2 nd favorite band which I’m glad u mentioned Eddie better is amazing and very entertaining I’m glad u found out about this amazing band be sure to listen to the words. A lot are true things in their life like oak tree ur in my way… Gary rossington wrapped his car around an oak tree.. I have a bucket list for where the hell house was ..and places they played at and homes they lived at and fished. My first concert was 1991 got to see some of the originals I been going from 2014 till 2019 my son got me tickets every year for Mother’s Day. Skynryd is a house hold every day listning to music I can jam and dance and clean . Enjoy them and close ur eyes and listn to the 4 different guitars and the piano amazing!!!
Oh, how I envy you, hearing Free Bird for the first time! I was a young teenager the first time I heard it, and it still hits me just as hard now as it did then.
The vocal is so good that you'd never believe the instrumental was better until you heard it.
Incredible song
and it's not a duet. it's at least a triplet with 3 guitars, a bass, drums, and later a piano.
About the duet, idk, i know what you mean but I'd say there ARE 2 guys "soloing"- the duet- while 1 guy, Ed King, plays rhythm guitar all the way through. So maybe duet is accurate, not that it matters. But 3 guys soloing all at once would step all over each other. Whatever...I thought the same thing you did. Rock on, friend!
You must watch the LIVE VERSION to truly appreciate how amazing this is
The guitars are epic indeed and I have loved the song since I first heard it. Not enough people recognize the bass in this song. If you watch the live in Oakland version, you will see the bass player rolling through the lines in the duet. It is an amazing performance. Thank you for your love of music.
I’m taken back to hear a human has never heard this. Been in Birmingham Alabama for decades. Went into the Army in 91. Hot stationed as far away as the beautiful Monterey California. The irony of having an Army base in the cuddle of Paradise.
Anyway, the first freaking bar I walk into upon arriving and the Free Bird was playing over the sound system. I shook my head and grinned.