Famous American rock band of the 70s “Lynyrd Skynyrd” is known for its work in the genres of southern rock, blues rock, hard rock and country rock. It is this group that is the popularizer of such a genre of musical creativity as southern rock. The group went through several name changes before settling on the nickname of their high school physical education teacher, who was known to be negative about their long hair.
The world famous group was given two songs, one of which was “Sweet Home Alabama”. A plane crash at the peak of fame interrupted the work of the group for a long 10 years. However, then the group recovered and continued its work.
The average club band went through several style changes to achieve worldwide fame with “Sweet Home Alabama”.
The album containing the composition that later became famous is interesting for the signature sound of solo guitars. The number of these lead guitars was three, and this became their trademark for a long time.
“Alabama Is My Home” is a complex composition that causes a lot of controversy. The composition “Sweet Home Alabama”, despite its name, is the anthem of the American South, which has a specific mentality. The reason for this claim is that none of the band members were from that state. However, their roots are present in other states of the American South.
It is worth noting that along with the praise of Alabama, there are also controversial points. For example, the mention of one of the governors, who was a racist and reactionary. Depending on the current relationship of the listener to this governor, one can see different interpretations of this part of the couplet. Although, if you think about it, the expression “we did what we could” can be an ironic allusion to our politicians. Some ambiguity allows different categories of citizens to understand the same words in different ways.
It is worth noting here that the American South, and specifically Alabama, is characterized by a significant difference in the local mentality. The defeat in the civil war excluded the Confederation from political activity, but its supporters remained alive. The specific mentality of this area is shown in some parts of the song. The influence of this mentality on political activity is also noted. However, we must not forget that many places in the song can be interpreted as an attempt at sharp irony. After all, love for a racist governor is remembered in a city that is known for its active fight against racism. “I hope Neil Young will remember that people from the South don’t need him” is a direct reference to the peculiarities of Alabama. After all, it is this artist who is best known for his songs against racism, as well as the conservatism of the American South. It should be noted here that the honor of the song does not indicate the presence of any struggle. On both sides there was an interest in the work of the opponent.
Despite the presence of a small political context, this musical composition was answered by various awards and a presence in the tops of the charts.
Many mark this song as the anthem of the conservative part of society. Representatives of the conservatives even awarded the band members with awards. Perhaps society did not accept their political irony. Most likely a part of the song that deals with nostalgia for rural life, which is simple but allows you to be happy. The shade of disappointment in the political culture of that time reveals even more the charm of simple human expectations. In the end, the performer expresses love for his homeland, which could not fail to please the audience. After all, the majority have their own “beloved homeland”, and political features in this case fade into the background, and even the third plan.
“Sweet Home Alabama” is a kind of national anthem. A Russian person would call it the anthem of the “small motherland”. The performer represents the special mentality of this southern region of the country, which has very specific features. Let a few political motives dilute the overall lyrics of the composition, but they do not fall into extremes. However, in spite of everything, Alabama for the author of the song is sweet and dear.
