Lynyrd Skynyrd Release Animated Video For “Sweet Home Alabama” For Their 50th Anniversary

“Sweet Home Alabama”, the classic rock anthem that has stood the test of time, holds a special place in the hearts of rock fans all over the world. Released in 1974 by Southern rock giants Lynyrd Skynyrd, it remains a beloved classic, capturing the spirit of the South and invoking a deep sense of pride and nostalgia. 

The song’s unforgettable melody, iconic lyrics, and searing guitar work have etched themselves into the hearts of music lovers for nearly half a century. But what is it about this song that makes it so cherished, so timeless, and why do we continue to long for it and the band that brought it to life?

Lynyrd Skynyrd recently added another layer to their legendary track’s legacy by releasing a new animated lyric video, perfectly timed to coincide with the recent release of a comprehensive four-CD collection called Fyfty, which celebrates the 50th anniversary of their debut album from 1973, (Pronounced ‘Lĕh-‘nérd ‘Skin-‘nérd). 

This visual journey takes fans on a road trip along a Western highway, weaving the song’s lyrics into the backdrop of an animated world. It’s a fitting tribute to a band that has left a gigantic legacy in rock. Watch the video below:

A new visual journey for an iconic track

This video, available for viewing on YouTube, is a visual journey through the iconic 1970s era of the band, featuring imagery such as motorcycles, leather jackets, American flags, vinyl LPs, vintage tattoos, and more.

It also takes the audience on an animated road trip along a Western highway, with the song’s lyrics appearing on the sides of a tractor-trailer and a van.

The release of the video accompanied the career-spanning compilation Fyfty, which features several of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s early hits and fan favorites, as well as songs from the band’s later lineups following the tragic 1977 plane crash that claimed the lives of the original Lynyrd Skynyrd frontman Ronnie Van Zant, guitarist Steve Gaines, and backing singer Cassie Gaines.

Some of the hits included were “Simple Man”, “Gimme Back My Bullets”, “What’s Your Name”, “You Got That Right”, and of course, “Sweet Home Alabama”.

It started as a retort to Neil Young

“Sweet Home Alabama” rolls in with one of the most iconic guitar riffs in the realm of rock and roll. What ensues is a heartfelt tribute to the state famously known as the heart of Dixie, replete with folksy idioms, unending azure skies, and the bonds of family. 

In a peculiar twist, this track had somewhat of a paradoxical origin: it was penned by three individuals hailing from Florida and California, none of whom had ever resided in Alabama. 

Part of the motivation to write the song lay in the fact that a Canadian folk artist had beaten them to it. Neil Young’s 1971 release, “Southern Man”, had critiqued the entire South for its dark history of slavery and its lingering aftermath.

In the Showtime documentary If I Leave Here Tomorrow, lead vocalist Ronnie Van Zant, one of the song’s composers, clarified that they aimed to counter what they perceived as Neil Young’s one-sided portrayal. “We knew that by doing that song, just writing those lyrics, we knew from the beginning that we’d get a lot of heat for it. And I did attack Neil Young in that song,” Van Zant acknowledged.

‘Fyfty’ long years for the Southern rock titans

Fyfty encompasses 50 tracks from Lynyrd Skynyrd, spanning from their early recordings in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, to a live rendition of “Gimme Three Steps” recorded in November 2022 during the final performance of founding guitarist Gary Rossington. 

Additionally, Fyfty presents various live performances, including two previously unreleased renditions: a version of “Free Bird” and the aforementioned 2022 performance of “Gimme Three Steps”.

The Fyfty box set is bundled with a 40-page booklet featuring an introduction written by the renowned rock journalist, screenwriter, and director Cameron Crowe.

It also contains liner notes and a track-by-track analysis penned by acclaimed rock writer Gary Graff, along with a collection of previously unseen photographs from the band’s extensive history.

No more original members left

Sadly, Rossington, the last surviving original member of the band, passed away in March 2023 at the age of 71.

The liner notes of the box set include a comment from the late guitarist in which he reflected on Lynyrd Skynyrd’s enduring and broad appeal.

“We just kind of notice what’s going on around us and write songs so people relate to them,” Rossington said. “That’s always been our style. We learned that from Ronnie; he always had a great way to take a subject and write a cool story around it so people could relate.”

Following Rossington’s passing, Lynyrd Skynyrd made the decision to continue with the current lineup. The band has one confirmed headlining performance on their tour schedule, scheduled for December 2023 in Thackerville, Oklahoma, and they will also be part of Nashville’s New Year’s Eve celebration at Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park.