The lyrics were primarily inspired by a 1976 car accident involving guitarist Gary Rossington. While under the influence, Rossington crashed his brand-new Ford Torino into a telephone pole and an oak tree in Jacksonville, Florida.
: Van Zant used this nickname for Rossington in the lyrics as a pointed jab at his friend's reckless behavior. 2. Metaphors of Mortality Lynyrd Skynyrd - That Smell
The song’s legacy is inextricably tied to the plane crash on October 20, 1977. Because the track was released a mere three days prior, its warnings about "tomorrow might not be here for you" took on an eerie, prophetic quality. Lynyrd Skynyrd's That Smell song analysis and guitar solos The lyrics were primarily inspired by a 1976
: The repetition of "the smell of death surrounds you" underscores a sense of inescapable doom. Lynyrd Skynyrd's That Smell song analysis and guitar
: At the time, Van Zant reportedly felt a "creepy feeling" that things were turning against the band, leading him to write what he described as a "morbid song". 3. Prophetic Tragedy