Sweet Home Alabama é uma resposta à música Southern Man de Neil Young, que criticava o sul dos EUA por suas políticas raciais. Lynyrd Skynyrd usou a música para expressar o orgulho sulista, apesar de também incluir críticas sociais. Foi gravada em 1973 e reflete tensões culturais e políticas da época.
Big wheels keep on turning Carry me home to see my kin Singing songs about the south land I miss 'ole' 'bamy once again and I think it's a sin
Well I heard Mr. Young sing about her Well I heard old Neil put her down Well I hope Neil Young will remember A southern man don’t need him around, anyhow
Sweet home Alabama, where the skies are so blue Sweet home Alabama, Lord I’m coming home to you
In Birmingham they love the Gov'nor, boo-hoo-hoo Now we all did what we could do Now watergate does not bother me Does you conscience bother you (tell the truth!)
Sweet home Alabama, where the skies are so blue Sweet home Alabama, Lord I’m coming home to you (Here I come, Alabama)
Now Muscle Shoals has got the swampers And they've been known to pick a song or two (yes we do) Lord they get me off so much They pick me up when I'm feeling blue, now how 'bout you?
Sweet home Alabama, where the skies are so blue Sweet home Alabama, Lord I’m coming home to you
Sweet home Alabama (Oh, sweet home baby) Where the skies are so blue (And the governor's true) Sweet Home Alabama, (Lord, yeah) Lord, I'm coming home to you (Yeah, yeah)