Sweet Home Alabama was written as a response to Neil Youngs Southern Man which criticized the Southern US for its racial policies. Lynyrd Skynyrd used the song to express Southern pride while also weaving in social critiques. Recorded in 1973, it reflects the cultural and political tensions of the period.
Key: D
Introduction:
D
C9
G
x4
D
C9
G
Big wheels keep on turning
D
C9
G
Carry me home to see my kin
D
C9
G
Singing songs about the south land
D
C9
G
I miss 'ole' 'bamy once again and I think it's a sin
D
C9
G
D
C9
G
D
C9
G
Well I heard Mr. Young sing about her
D
C9
G
Well I heard old Neil put her down
D
C9
G
Well I hope Neil Young will remember
D
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G
A southern man don’t need him around, anyhow
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C9
G
D
C9
G
Sweet home Alabama, where the skies are so blue
D
C9
G
D
C9
G
Sweet home Alabama, Lord I’m coming home to you
F
C
D
C9
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D
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D
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F
C
D
In Birmingham they love the Gov'nor, boo-hoo-hoo (
D
)
C9
G
Now we all did what we could do
D
C9
G
Now watergate does not bother me
D
C9
G
Does you conscience bother you (tell the truth!)
D
C9
G
D
C9
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Sweet home Alabama, where the skies are so blue
D
C9
G
D
C9
G
Sweet home Alabama, Lord I’m coming home to you (Here I come, Alabama)
D
C9
G
D
C9
G
D
C9
G
D
C9
G
D
C9
G
D
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D
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D
C9
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D
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G
D
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D
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G
Now Muscle Shoals has got the swampers
D
C9
G
And they've been known to pick a song or two (yes we do)
D
C9
G
Lord they get me off so much
D
C9
G
They pick me up when I'm feeling blue, now how 'bout you?
D
C9
G
D
C9
G
Sweet home Alabama, where the skies are so blue
D
C9
G
D
C9
G
F
C
Sweet home Alabama, Lord I’m coming home to you
D
C9
G
Sweet home Alabama (Oh, sweet home baby)
D
C9
G
Where the skies are so blue (And the governor's true)