Smell of DEATH he is singing. Lyrics Ronnie Van Zant was singing this about guitarist Gary Rossington. He was called Prince Charming by some. He had driven his car into an Oak Tree and serious drug and alcohol use.
Garry Rossington and Allen Collins both had separate car wrecks on the same Labor Day Weekend. Gary would somewhat get his shit together but Allen would continue down that path till death. Quaalude were the bomb, loved them. 😁😁
"Whiskey bottles, and brand new cars. Oak tree you're in my way"!! One of the greatest opening lines in Southern Rock. I lived in Jacksonville during the 70's and 80's and got a front row seat to the explosion in popularity of this genre!!
Agreed... What makes this even more eerie is that one of the Honkettes were spared from the plane crash due to being in rehab at the time for substance abuse
Whiskey bottle Brand new car Oak tree you're in my way.😅 This song was written about the entire band. Maybe Ronnie singled out Gary Rossington but this entire band was either alcoholics or drug addicted or both. Like Billy Powell(piano)said, "We finally all just got sick and tired about being sick and tired. The line, "can't speak a word when you're full of ludes" is referring to a barbituate or downers as they were called called Qualudes. The most popular were Lilley F40s. Great meaning and an even more fun song to play live. Another great song off this, their last studio lp is, "You Got That Right" were new guitarist Steve Gaines and Ronnie Van Zandt trade off lead vocals. A real rock and roller
Yes, this song was originally inspired by Gary but was absolutely a warning to everyone, not just in the band but in general... Don't get too lost in the sauce
The smell of death surrounds you is the lyric. This song was written about a member of the band who was addicted. It’s a stellar song lyrically and musically. I have loved it since I first heard it many many years ago. I am glad you appreciated it.
"What a pleasurable song about such a serious topic"... great line. This is the music of my youth, and this was their last album before the plane crash. Like the Beatles, Lynyrd Skynyrd is one of the few bands, and also Creedence, where I literally like every song off of every album.
One of their more underrated great songs. Heard it 1000 times and hope to hear it 1000 times more. When the plane crashed and members were lost the record company changed the cover to a black background. Steve Gaines was one of the victims who perished and that's him standing in the middle seemingly in flames. There actually was no post-crash fire since the plane ran out of fuel.
Lynyrd Skynyrd was one of the earliest bands to use dual lead guitars, especially at the end of the song. Wishbone Ash is also credited with being one of the originators of dual lead guitars. Try Wishbone Ash Handy and/or Phoenix. Love your reactions.
This is my favorite LS song! I decided to get rid of "That Smell" 1/2/2015. Free and clean from heroin for almost 10 years and haven't looked back! The only New Years resolution that I've ever followed through!
That is correct, along with Molly Hatchet, Outlaws, Blackfoot, .38 Special, and with Gregg and Duane Allman being originally from Daytona Beach we can also include the Allman Brothers.
Steve Gaines guitarist, ( been with group about 1 year), Cassie Gaines Steve's sister and backup singer, Ronnie Van Zant, tour manager and 2 pilots died. 20 offers survived but had serious injuries. His brother Johnny Van Zant with Gary Rossington restarted the group 10 years after the crash. Saw them last year they played a tribute to Robbie Robertson. Gonna see them again next month.
I turned 16 on October 21 1977 my boyfriend had bought us tickets to their Street Survivors tour concert that was coming they were killed on October 20 1977 I still have my ticket this is my favorite song by them and the whole album is fantastic I'll always love them!
It was great to hear this song again. I appreciated all the Lynyrd Skynyrd you have available on your playlist. Thanks for all the hard work; it's greatly appreciated.
There was an album that came out a couple of years after the crash by the Rossington Collins Band made ip of the survivors of the crash. I think they put out two albums with the two best songs on the first album Don't Misunderstand Me and Getaway, both good songs.
Right on Shawn! Amazing song! Gary Rossington, who passed away a year, was wasted and ran his new car into an oak tree, thus the lyrics 🔥 The album cover makes me sad. Steve Gaines in the middle is one of the band members who was killed in the plane crash. The kid was a monster strumming! His sister Cassie, one of the backup singers (called the Honkettes) also was killed 🙏🙏
Steve Gaines was insanely good at playing guitar and a decent singer himself as well. I think Ronnie was actually setting him up to front this band eventually
The Jimmie Van Zant band does a great live version of this song. Jimmie was Ronnies cousin. Jimmie Van Zant also did a great tribute song called Ronnies song. Check it out its awesome.
Now they call you Prince Charming.... Can't speak a word when you're full of them Ludes . That was Gary Rossingtons Nickname and he had been plastered on Qualudes when he wrecked and broke his arm and that's what the songs about. Lynyrd Skynyrd always called out drugs no matter what they were doing. My favorite band ... Always has been and always will be.
Classic message Rock. Much needed during an era where kids were dropping like flies from overdoses, impaired driving and what have you. The song stands the test of time in more than one way.
Not even close I only listen to the original band music. I have them all but not the new LS. Wish they recorded traveling man when Ronnie was around love the song but only done live
There were so many ironies surrounding the 'Street Survivors' album cover ~ it was released with the intended theme being a reflection on the consequence of their success making an abundance of harmful drugs & alcohol being more readily available, but the album cover with them encircled in flame was released just before the plane crash
As others may have already said, this song is in response to Gary Rossington's car crash that severely injured Gary and almost killed his then girlfriend. Most of the band was living the rock & roll lifestyle of having sudden fame and all the trappings it can bring. A short time later, Allen Collins was also in wreck that also severely injured him, and it did kill his girlfriend. Eventually, Allen was in another crash that paralyzed him from the upper chest down. When he died, it was from pneumonia that was a complication from his paralysis.
Time line is off a bit. Allen was in a crash the same time as Gary (1976), but it wasn't a serious crash. The crash that paralyzed him and killed his passenger was in 1986.
The song was from the 1977 album Street Survivors. Ronnie van Zant, guitarist Steve Gaines and backup singer Cassie Gaines were killed in a plane crash a few days after the 1977 tour started. Some of the lyrics in this song refer to death and the album cover which had just been released showed the band enveloped in flames. Btw.. " the smell of death surrounds you." not gas.
Smell of DEATH he is singing. Lyrics Ronnie Van Zant was singing this about guitarist Gary Rossington. He was called Prince Charming by some. He had driven his car into an Oak Tree and serious drug and alcohol use.
Garry Rossington and Allen Collins both had separate car wrecks on the same Labor Day Weekend. Gary would somewhat get his shit together but Allen would continue down that path till death. Quaalude were the bomb, loved them. 😁😁
Whiskey bottles and brand new cars, Oak Tree you're in my way...
"Whiskey bottles, and brand new cars. Oak tree you're in my way"!! One of the greatest opening lines in Southern Rock. I lived in Jacksonville during the 70's and 80's and got a front row seat to the explosion in popularity of this genre!!
Skynyrd's "The Honkettes" (their female backup singers) really added a lot to this song!
Agreed... What makes this even more eerie is that one of the Honkettes were spared from the plane crash due to being in rehab at the time for substance abuse
You say you'll be alright come tomorrow,....but Tomorrow might not be here for you.....words of wisdom right there
Whiskey bottle
Brand new car
Oak tree you're in my way.😅
This song was written about the entire band. Maybe Ronnie singled out Gary Rossington but this entire band was either alcoholics or drug addicted or both. Like Billy Powell(piano)said, "We finally all just got sick and tired about being sick and tired.
The line, "can't speak a word when you're full of ludes" is referring to a barbituate or downers as they were called called Qualudes. The most popular were Lilley F40s.
Great meaning and an even more fun song to play live.
Another great song off this, their last studio lp is,
"You Got That Right" were new guitarist Steve Gaines and Ronnie Van Zandt trade off lead vocals. A real rock and roller
Are you sure that wasn't Lemon 714? :-)
@@djfrank68qualudes maybe. I remember Lilley f40s being spoken about by the downer dudes. Never did any myself so I only know what I was told about.
Yes, this song was originally inspired by Gary but was absolutely a warning to everyone, not just in the band but in general... Don't get too lost in the sauce
The smell of death surrounds you is the lyric. This song was written about a member of the band who was addicted. It’s a stellar song lyrically and musically. I have loved it since I first heard it many many years ago. I am glad you appreciated it.
"What a pleasurable song about such a serious topic"... great line. This is the music of my youth, and this was their last album before the plane crash. Like the Beatles, Lynyrd Skynyrd is one of the few bands, and also Creedence, where I literally like every song off of every album.
One of their more underrated great songs. Heard it 1000 times and hope to hear it 1000 times more.
When the plane crashed and members were lost the record company changed the cover to a black background. Steve Gaines was one of the victims who perished and that's him standing in the middle seemingly in flames. There actually was no post-crash fire since the plane ran out of fuel.
Lynyrd Skynyrd was one of the earliest bands to use dual lead guitars, especially at the end of the song. Wishbone Ash is also credited with being one of the originators of dual lead guitars. Try Wishbone Ash Handy and/or Phoenix. Love your reactions.
This is my favorite LS song! I decided to get rid of "That Smell" 1/2/2015. Free and clean from heroin for almost 10 years and haven't looked back! The only New Years resolution that I've ever followed through!
Warms my heart and soul to see y'all enjoying this!!!❤
As a native Floridian this is another great group we can claim as our own.
That is correct, along with Molly Hatchet, Outlaws, Blackfoot, .38 Special, and with Gregg and Duane Allman being originally from Daytona Beach we can also include the Allman Brothers.
A favorite from my teen years. Still my favorite Skynyrd tune. And a message I took to heart long long ago.
Steve Gaines guitarist, ( been with group about 1 year), Cassie Gaines Steve's sister and backup singer, Ronnie Van Zant, tour manager and 2 pilots died. 20 offers survived but had serious injuries. His brother Johnny Van Zant with Gary Rossington restarted the group 10 years after the crash. Saw them last year they played a tribute to Robbie Robertson. Gonna see them again next month.
This song is fire from beginning to end! And so bittersweet when I hear it ever since that fateful day. Another day the music died. 💝
I turned 16 on October 21 1977 my boyfriend had bought us tickets to their Street Survivors tour concert that was coming they were killed on October 20 1977 I still have my ticket this is my favorite song by them and the whole album is fantastic I'll always love them!
Well said 🙏
My favorite band of all time. It’s such a shame what happened to them. ❤❤❤
Its...the smell of death....
It was great to hear this song again. I appreciated all the Lynyrd Skynyrd you have available on your playlist. Thanks for all the hard work; it's greatly appreciated.
Thanks. Clifton! I hope today is treating you well!
There was an album that came out a couple of years after the crash by the Rossington Collins Band made ip of the survivors of the crash. I think they put out two albums with the two best songs on the first album Don't Misunderstand Me and Getaway, both good songs.
Greatest anti-drug song ever made lol
Love the guitars!!!!!
Right on Shawn!
Amazing song! Gary Rossington, who passed away a year, was wasted and ran his new car into an oak tree, thus the lyrics 🔥
The album cover makes me sad. Steve Gaines in the middle is one of the band members who was killed in the plane crash. The kid was a monster strumming! His sister Cassie, one of the backup singers (called the Honkettes) also was killed 🙏🙏
Steve Gaines was insanely good at playing guitar and a decent singer himself as well. I think Ronnie was actually setting him up to front this band eventually
The Jimmie Van Zant band does a great live version of this song. Jimmie was Ronnies cousin. Jimmie Van Zant also did a great tribute song called Ronnies song. Check it out its awesome.
Now they call you Prince Charming.... Can't speak a word when you're full of them Ludes . That was Gary Rossingtons Nickname and he had been plastered on Qualudes when he wrecked and broke his arm and that's what the songs about. Lynyrd Skynyrd always called out drugs no matter what they were doing. My favorite band ... Always has been and always will be.
❤❤❤ Love Lynyrd Skynyrd! Try "Gimme Three Steps", I love that song.
Classic message Rock. Much needed during an era where kids were dropping like flies from overdoses, impaired driving and what have you. The song stands the test of time in more than one way.
This and Gimme Three Steps are a couple of my favorites by them!
THEY STARTED THE BAND BACK UP AFTER 10 YEARS SHAWN, 87 😊BUT IT WASN'T NEARLY THE SAME!
It was more of a tribute band then.
Not even close I only listen to the original band music. I have them all but not the new LS. Wish they recorded traveling man when Ronnie was around love the song but only done live
My favorite Skynyrd song 🔥👍
The Honkettes are badass gals. They really bring it on this tune, especially Leslie Jo Hawkins, who is still living.
Checkout the needle and the spoon ...great tunes..
The smell of death surrounds you
Such s great song....
SO YOU SEE THAT ALBUM COVER SHAWN? 😮THAT WAS A COLLECTORS EDITION BECAUSE OF THE TRAGIC PLANE CRASH! THE ALBUM WAS ALSO DONE WITHOUT THE FLAMES!😊
I remember that well. I actually have had the original pressing cover for years, it's still in my collection.
I still have the original album from my junior year in high school…
There were so many ironies surrounding the 'Street Survivors' album cover ~ it was released with the intended theme being a reflection on the consequence of their success making an abundance of harmful drugs & alcohol being more readily available, but the album cover with them encircled in flame was released just before the plane crash
Love the back up vocals on this by The Honkettes.
Smell of Death was lingering with Gary Rossington due to his life style
I know a Little, You Got That Right, Don't Ask Me No Questions are also great ones
Gimme Back My Bullets 💙☮️👵🏼
the smell of death surrounds you.
Great tune.
Always listen to the studio version first. 🤘
Rossington must've listened,he just died last year,the drummer is the only original member still alive! Loved them, such a loss!
Artimus Pyle is not an original member .. that was Bob Burns who passed away years ago
@@bobshaw8319he’s the drummer when they had their greatest success.
@@jeffmattson5766 I get that ..but still not an original member
My temple is kinda a mess too don't worry, but no drugs
Check out "The Ballad of Curtis Loewe" next. It's a great story.
This is a good rock song…Oh That Smell. 😂😂😂 👍🎵🎸🎹🥁🎸🎸🎶😎👏👏👏🤎🤎
Song : " You Got That Right "
You got that right!
Have you heard their song Free Bird? That's a good one
This song is about Gary Rossington!!
As others may have already said, this song is in response to Gary Rossington's car crash that severely injured Gary and almost killed his then girlfriend. Most of the band was living the rock & roll lifestyle of having sudden fame and all the trappings it can bring. A short time later, Allen Collins was also in wreck that also severely injured him, and it did kill his girlfriend. Eventually, Allen was in another crash that paralyzed him from the upper chest down. When he died, it was from pneumonia that was a complication from his paralysis.
Time line is off a bit. Allen was in a crash the same time as Gary (1976), but it wasn't a serious crash. The crash that paralyzed him and killed his passenger was in 1986.
yeah the flames on the cover of the album are over the 3 that died ... weird ... i have that album with the flames
Only two band members died in the crash.
One backup singer.
One tour manager.
List kept to band direct association
Listen to the whole block set.
To me , more classic than Freebird any day. One of the greatest constructed Rock Song ever made.
"The smell of DEATH that's around you". Gary Rossington had just totaled his brand new car because he was doing some drugs & alcohol.
Needle and the spoon..
Mr Banker
I Ain't the one
Was I Right or Wrong
On the Hunt
Oak tree ur in my way😊
Not my fault, I honked!
The song was from the 1977 album Street Survivors. Ronnie van Zant, guitarist Steve Gaines and backup singer Cassie Gaines were killed in a plane crash a few days after the 1977 tour started. Some of the lyrics in this song refer to death and the album cover which had just been released showed the band enveloped in flames. Btw.. " the smell of death surrounds you." not gas.
Off this album.. I know a little.... One more time... And the only Skynyrd song not sung by Ronnie... Steve Gaines'ain't no good life
U know I've been there before.
The south will rise again🤘
I always thought "that smell " was freebasing coke
☘️🇺🇸
The Lynyrd Skynyrd members that the flames are touching on this album cover are the three who died in the plane crash. Super eirie!
Baby brother Johnny brought the band back from the dead with the release of the album 1991. Brother Donny is a founding member of the band .38 Special
Back in the 70's, i had the chance to do magic mushrooms, they said i would see God. i passed, i was afraid he wouldn't like me!
Ironically. Gary Rossington outlived every other band member
Drummer Artimus Pyle is still alive.