The Wonder Bread of Southern Rock

Guest Columnist Cameron S. Thompson

Lynyrd Skinyrd's Southern anthem "Freebird" is perhaps the most popular song of Southern Rock fans. However, it has suffered the same demise as Led Zeppelin's "Stairway to Heaven". It is interesting that fantastic songs can lose their luster by over exposure.

In the 1980's invariably there were several drunk pseudo-cowboys screaming "Freebird" at last call. Many bands complied and that was the beginning of the downward spiral of the Wonder Bread of Southern Rock. The Allman Brothers band may have a valid argument about that one moment when Southern Rock reached the pinnacle of Rock Stardom.

However, "Freebird" came at the right moment and the three hour solo at the end of the song did not hurt fan the fervor at concerts. But, then "Freebird" became trite. Cover bands used it for their closing set, movies used it to depict anything from entering the deep south to reminiscing the '70's. But as all trite things they soon run their course and vanish into the Kingdom of Triteness.

"Freebird" has had a recent resurrection used in an emotionally inspiring way that brings back the great memories that "Freebird" once evoked. "Freebird" was used in Forest Gump when his long time love, Jenny, coked out, is on the ledge contemplating suicide. The song has even made it into pop-culture iconic status as the Simpsons. Perhaps, the most amusing and moving use of "Freebird" is in Cameron Crowe's movie "Elizabethtown". The Skynird version is not even used, but the passion and humor is moving to any lover of the song.

But, for God's sake please, please, please, please, please, please, please, please, please quit shouting "Freebird" at last call at a local club. The original reason to shout "Freebird" was prompted by a DJ who thought it would be funny to do so at a Florence Henderson concert--I agree that is hilarious, but any other use of the shout should result in the immediate removal of the taint meat of said shouter.