Lynyrd Skynyrd’s iconic rock anthem will live on forever, if only so the joke of yelling to play “Free Bird” at random artists and musicians can continue for eternity. The song, which came out in 1973, was originally written by founding band members Ronnie Van Zant (lead singer) and Allen Collins (guitarist). It’s undoubtedly the signature song for the rock band, and it was included on Lynyrd Skynyrd’s debut album (Pronounced ‘Lĕh-‘nérd ‘Skin-‘nérd).
Little did they know that they were creating an anthem that would stand the test of time.
I’d assume it’s the most requested song of all time, especially by those that are intoxicated. There’s nothing that frees you like a bird than getting a little sloshed on 2-for-1 beer night and yelling out “FREE BIRD!” at the live band. From what I’m told… obviously I’ve never found myself in that situation.
The legendary rock song also acts as the perfect song to support the brave hockey players wearing red, white and blue. You might remember that during the 4 Nations Face-Off that happened around this time last year, Team USA went with “Free Bird” as their goal song. It made for some electric moments… and the song went over so well that the Americans decided to stick with it for the 2026 Winter Olympics.
The men’s hockey team got their start in the games against Latvia in the men’s tournament preliminaries this afternoon. In case you missed any of it, NHL players are once again suiting up for Team USA. The last time they did so was the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, so it’s a welcome sight to see some of America’s best out on the ice competing for gold.
And I’m sure Latvia was wishing that the NHL players weren’t out there for Team USA, because the American team absolutely brought it against the European country. By the end of the second intermission, the boys in red, white and blue had already racked up four goals (and that was even with a couple of goals undone). They’ve added another in the 3rd so far. Each and every time the puck hit the back of the net for Team USA, Lynyrd Skynyrd’s beautiful “Free Bird” rang out throughout the stadium.
It happened early:
Then again:
And again:
Another one:
And finally (so far), the captain is on the board:
That’s a wonderful sight to see, and the perfect song to match the moment.
“Free Bird” is, effectively, one of the most patriotic songs in existence. In fact, on the list of songs that connote America and patriotism, I’d say “Free Bird” cracks the top five, right? Here’s what I’ve got:
5. “God Bless America”
4. “Free Bird”
3. “God Bless the U.S.A”
2. “America The Beautiful”
1. “The Star Spangled Banner”
Yes, that’s right. I’ve got Lynyrd Skynyrd’s song ahead of the all-time-classic “God Bless America.” If you don’t agree with me, that’s fine. That’s what free speech is all about baby!
And just for some background information, Team USA first elected to have “Free Bird” as their goal song in the 2025 World Juniors tournament, and they had plenty of success with it (they won gold). They came up just short using it during the 4 Nations Face-Off, but if Team USA can bring home the gold at the 2026 Winter Olympics, I’d say America has no choice but to make the rock ballad their official goal song across all levels… forever.
