Lynyrd Skynyrd's "Sweet Home Alabama" remains one of the most debated and controversial songs in rock for the many interpretations regarding the band's feelings towards Neil Young (who wrote songs critical of white southern racism) and the once Confederate flag waving band's views on race. See below for a more detailed background to the controversies. Some saw the song as support for segregationist Alabama governor George Wallace.
The song's meanings and intentions remain disputed and controversial.
Which of the follwing is true?
a) Lynyrd's Skynyrd's lead singer Ronnie Van Zandt is wearing a t-shirt with Neil Young's image on the cover of Skynyrd's last LP, "Street Survivors." *7 Both performers reported to be a friend and admirer of the other.*3 / *6
b) Neil Young wrote three songs (which were not used) for Lynyrd Skynyrd to use on their "Street Survivors" LP.*1
c) Neil Young performed a medley of his song "Alabama" and "Sweet Home Alabama" after the plane crash deaths of Ronnie Van Zandt and 2 other members of Lynyrd Skynyrd.*4
d) In 1976, Lynyrd Skynyrd supported presidential candidate, Jimmy Carter who ran opposed by Alabama governor and segregationist, George Wallace for the Democratic nomination. In a filmed concert version of the song in 1976, the lyrics "Yea, yea Montgomery's got the answer" were changed to "Yeah, Mr. Carter got the answer." *5
e) all of the above
ANSWER: (e)BACKGROUND:
In 1974, Lynyrd Skynyrd, the southern rockband from Florida released the hit song "Sweet Home Alabama" off of their second album ("Second Helping").
Known for their use of the Confederate flag as the band's symbol early in it's career* (it was later re-adopted by the re-formed version of the band until it was later banned again by the band), the song has often been interpretted as much more than an anthem of southern pride.
Many have claimed that its obvious push back on Canadian born Neil Young and his songs "Southern Man" and "Alabama" along with other lyrics are markers of a hostile feud with Young and that the song is a brazen and proud ode to racism. The Neil Young songs were critiques of the history of southern white racism. The "feud" has been reported as both bitter by some and as a mear playful knock on a friend by others.
There are many interpretations of the seemingly contradictory lyrics which also allude to the then governor of Alabama (staunch segregationist George Wallace) who failed in his attempt to reach the White House and Nixon's Watergate scandal. The comment about Wallace is preceded by "love" but followed by a chant of "boo"s.
SOURCES:
*1http://tinyurl.com/pstroj4
*2
http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/lynyrdskynyrd/sweethomealabama.html
*3
http://ultimateclassicrock.com/neil-young-vs-lynyrd-skynyrd-nastiest-rock-feuds/
*4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xCd43ntfxB0
*5
at time 4:04
http://youtu.be/ueGAdM0o6Cc?t=4m
*6
http://tinyurl.com/lgwspmc
*7
http://thrasherswheat.org/jammin/lynyrd.htm
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