- published: 03 Aug 2015
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Lynyrd Skynyrd (pronounced /ˌlɛ-nərd ˈskɪn-nərd/ LEN-ərd-SKIN-ərd) is an American rock band best known for popularizing the Southern rock genre during the 1970s. Originally formed in 1964 as the "Noble Five" in Jacksonville, Florida, the band rose to worldwide recognition on the basis of its driving live performances and signature tune, "Free Bird". At the peak of their success, three members died in an airplane crash in 1977, putting an abrupt end to the band's most popular incarnation.
Surviving members re-formed in 1987 for a reunion tour with lead singer Ronnie Van Zant's younger brother Johnny as frontman. A version of the band continues to tour and record, with only Gary Rossington of its original members remaining as of 2012. Lynyrd Skynyrd was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on March 13, 2006.
In the summer of 1964, teenage friends Ronnie Van Zant, Allen Collins, and Gary Rossington formed the band "The Noble Five" in Jacksonville, Florida. The band changed in 1965 to "My Backyard", when Larry Junstrom and Bob Burns joined. In 1968, the group won a local Battle of the Bands contest and the opening slot on several Southeast shows for the California-based psychedelic rock band Strawberry Alarm Clock.[citation needed]
There’s a gray horse standin’ still
As the soldier climbs in the saddle
For one last ride
As the rain pours off his hat
You can see the shadows of the past
Written in his eyes
Now the canons are silent
His friends are all gone
Gotta put it all behind him
If he ever wants to find his way home
He’s the last rebel on the road
Just a boy with his old guitar
Keeps to himself
But everybody takes him wrong
But he carries on
Got a dream that’ll never die
Can’t change him
No use in stayin’ where you don’t belong
Now he’s rollin’ down the highway
Gone too far too fast
No one will ever find him
He’ll never look back, whoaoh whoaoh
‘Cuz he’s the last rebel
He’s all alone
‘Cuz he’s the last rebel
His friends are all gone
The last rebel on the road
There’ll never be another like him
He’s the last of a dying breed
Ain’t no use in tryin’ to tame him
‘Cuz he’s the last rebel
And he’s all alone
He’s the last rebel
His friends are all gone
He’s the last rebel
Got to carry on
He’s the last rebel
The last rebel on the road
(He’s the last rebel)
He’s the last rebel
He’s the last rebel
(He’s the last rebel)
He’s the last rebel
(He’s the last rebel)