AMAZING SONG! LYNYRD SKYNYRD - THAT SMELL | REACTION

[@goldboy150]

Man you have grabbed the wrong end of the stick on this one lol! The song is an intervention.

[@joewarren3379]

YOOO!! HOW DO I send $ 2 u

[@BrettLesPaul]

In denial.

[@wslvingtsun6768]

I thought the smell of death surrounds u too lol. But it takes more than 1 listen to understand a,song,sometimes especially when ur jamming to good music,and have shit on ur mind. But he should re listen to it

[@goldboy150]

Hilltop JD614 not true. The song was written by van zant and Collins about the guitarist Gary rossington especially an incident when he wrapped his car around an oak tree and nearly died. “Whiskey bottles and brand new cars - oak tree you’re in my way. There’s too much coke and too much smoke. Look what’s going on inside you” I don’t think it was an intervention in the sense of wanting anyone to be as sober as a judge. They were rock stars, after all. More that he needed to take it easy and not lose control like he was.

[@goldboy150]

Hilltop JD614 man just do your research. For starters it wasn’t about collins car wrecks it was rossingtons. If you can’t even get that straight I’m not sure where to go with this. Also you seem to not know what an intervention is because saying that you need to clean yourself up is pretty much the definition.

[@ragingklingon]

Sorry Van you missed this one. The song is about the consequences of the vices. That's why the lyric is "the smell of deaths around you". Love the channel.

[@davidcoleman4291]

I believe it's the smell of surrounds you

[@jacobturner959]

Its the smell of death surrounds you

[@kierstenridgway4634]

I always thought it was, The smell that's around you. But I was stoned! 😆

[@marlew6629]

he's too stupid to understand.

[@markgoodwin5074]

It's definitely "The smell of death surrounds you".

[@tomrobertson8362]

Van, you’re not listening. This an anti drug song, not a pro party song. They’re saying, “Don’t stick those needles in your arm”.

[@thomasmeadows7959]

Everyone interprets lyrics differently but at least we can all agree they made some great music.

[@MrChoobsabre]

@@thomasmeadows7959 that's cool and all when the lyrics have some ambiguity, this song is pretty straightforward in its message though

[@ReimerGodt]

From Germany : I hardly understand any English lyrics. Too much coke too much smoke I undetstand that smell surrounds you. Am an opposer of illegal drugs. But several times got offered for free, once pollen, once to sniff white powder. Don't wan't to go prison for such, rather political opinion. Too expensive. Drugs to Germany by ARA Antwerp Rotterdam Amsterdam harbours. Needs invation to get rid of these, deterrence.

[@Huddle_House56]

And being that they all smoked weed it’s not about weed lmao

[@GhostOfBillCooper]

No they are singing "Oh, you a fool, you - Go on, stick them needles in your arm". They are talking down to someone killing themselves with drugs, any and all drugs. It's an anti drug ABUSE song. There is a difference between doing some drugs to party and doing drugs to avoid life.

[@bmee3901]

A cautionary tale: Whiskey bottles, and brand new cars Oak tree you're in my way There's too much coke and too much smoke Look what's going on inside you Ooooh that smell Can't you smell that smell Ooooh that smell The smell of death surrounds you Angel of darkness is upon you Stuck a needle in your arm So take another toke, have a blow for your nose And one more drink fool, will drown you Ooooh that smell Can't you smell that smell Ooooh that smell The smell of death surrounds you Now they call you Prince Charming Can't speak a word when you're full of 'ludes Say you'll be all right come tomorrow But tomorrow might not be here for you Ooooh that smell Can't you smell that smell Ooooh that smell The smell of death surrounds you Hey, you're a fool, you (2:30) Go on stick them needles in your arm (2:34) I know I been there before (2:50) One little problem that confronts you (3:28) Got a monkey on your back Just one more fix, Lord might do the trick One hell of a price for you to get your kicks Ooooh that smell Can't you smell that smell Ooooh that smell The smell of death surrounds you Ooooh that smell Can't you smell that smell Ooooh that smell The smell of death surrounds you Hey, you're a fool, you Go on stick those needles in your arm You're just a fool, just a fool, just a fool Source: LyricFind

[@Melanie-AlwaysJustMe]

Yeah I hope Van reads this one. See what the song is really about. Always was a deep song 🎵

[@rblood8076]

He'll yeah.

[@artsilva]

That's the problem with these reactors. All the interruptions takes them out of the context of the song and they only hear what They want to here. This dude got it all wrong and in the decades of people listening to this song, the message was always clear, but not with this reaction. Thank you for posting these lyrics because I was about to do the same.

[@gennyyelton4392]

Thank you!

[@RJFPme]

One of the best anti drug songs out there. Oooooh that smell !

[@shearmadness6671]

This song is about Skynyrd guitarist Gary Rossington, who bought a new car (a Ford Torino), got drunk, and crashed it into a tree, then a house ("whiskey bottles, brand new car, oak tree you're in my way"). The band was supposed to start a tour in a few days, but had to postpone it because of Rossington's injuries. Lead singer Ronnie Van Zant and guitarist Allen Collins wrote this song. They were not pleased with Rossington, whose drug and alcohol problems were affecting the band. The band fined Rossington $5000 for holding up the tour. Skynyrd made an effort to stay sober on this tour. Drugs and alcohol were banned from the dressing rooms.

[@davidenders9282]

Never heard what car it was. my first car was a 71 ford torino, totaled it, wrapped it around a telephone pole.

[@freebirdtony]

An excellent comment. It should have been pinned.📌

[@andreaknapp2394]

Yep! That's what happened!

[@michellec2514]

Thank you!!

[@freebirdtony]

@@michellec2514 😊

[@marielaveau5321]

This is meant to be a cautionary song. Makes me think about someone I used to know, gives me chills. And can we just give some love to the ladies tearing up the background vocals?!? 🔥👏💜💚💛✌️

[@tvgator1]

HELL YES

[@707Berto]

RIP Cassie Gaines

[@conteur5297]

"The smell of death's around you" It's an intervention.

[@RicoBurghFan]

Definitely not a good smell!

[@nextellcup8]

ya i believe they said after a bad car accident

[@davidcoleman4291]

Smell of death surrounds you

[@michellec2514]

I know I'm just like steady screaming it out while I watch this if he stops for a few minutes and actually pays attention to what's being said that he might have gotten it lol

[@davidcoleman4291]

@@michellec2514 I know right! Maybe these folks should get out some lyrics to look at before they look so foolish

[@kennethjenkins3972]

Everyone has their own favorite song from a band this is my favorite Skynyrd song by far. It is however not talking about how fun it is to party, it’s about how addiction leads to death one way or another. The smell of Death surrounds you because you’re dying from the inside out.

[@jgates6645]

Missed the lyrics meaning on this one by a country mile! It's an anti-drug song. "That smell" is the smell of death and addiction.

[@jamestate5059]

Skynyrd had 3 guitar players that could have been THE MAN in a band on their own. This is a great example how easy it is to not get the meaning of a song on first listen. Complete anti drug song

[@ronsalkin]

Skynyrd fan since i was 14 ..... I thought it was about weed, It's definitely an anti-drug/alcohol vibe, but the actual meaning of the title of the tune was about Gary Rossingtons' car crash which some of the band were traveling behind in another vehicle ..... "That Smell" was gasoline, burnt rubber, & the alcohol they smelled in his car

[@mariejustme]

Didn’t you rock with the Rossington-Collins band? I damned sure did. 🤘🏼

[@davidcoleman4291]

@@ronsalkin who told you that tale

[@ronsalkin]

@@davidcoleman4291 ....... Saw it on that TV show "Music's Greatest Mysteries" on AXSTV

[@Cifer77]

This is one of those reactions where I think the point just went over his head the whole time. When he heard "Your just a fool" he seemed confused as hell, I bet he thinking "But this is an upbeat party song saying do drugs!?" rofl I think this is a result of trying too hard to be upbeat and positive going into it, not all music is upbeat and positive lol.

[@lennysmom644]

Pay more attention to the lyrics. This is an anti-drug, NOT a pro-drug song.

[@andreaknapp2394]

Love Skynyrd! This is one of my favorites by 'em! A cautionary song about drug use! Phenomenol guitar work! No he's not encouraging you to do it...he's saying you're a fool for doing it!

[@andreaknapp2394]

There's 3 guitarists in Skynyrd...each guitarist had solos in this song...you can hear each one's distinctive style...

[@charlesboylan4717]

The song was written as a warning to guitar player Gary Rossington who was doing all the things mentioned in the song. After the success of the first album and tour, he crashed his car into an oak tree during a night of partying. He delayed the second tour by months. Singer Ronnie Van Zant(band leader) was furious and worried about fellow band member Gary Rossington. So he wrote this song as a warning to Gary and all others who indulge. Oddly enough, with all of Gary's vices, he was the last surviving member of the original band.

[@timpwhit]

He's saying one more fix might kill you--the "trick" is a metaphor for death. That's the "one hell of a price for you get your kicks" he refers to in the next line.

[@deboraharmstrong252]

"That Smell" is a song by the Southern rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd. Written by Ronnie Van Zant and guitarist Allen Collins, it was released in 1977 on the album Street Survivors. At the time the song was written, the band had been using alcohol, cocaine, and heroin.[1] Van Zant said that he started using heroin and cocaine to relieve the pressure of performing in front of large audiences.[1] Van Zant's inspiration for the song was the increasing reckless indulgences of the band members culminating in the evening when guitarist Gary Rossington crashed his Ford Torino into an oak tree along Mandarin Road in Jacksonville, Florida,[1] after excessive consumption of alcohol and drugs. Van Zant was thus inspired to write the song as a warning about the consequences of careless overuse of drugs and alcohol. The song earned Rossington the moniker "Prince Charming" from Van Zant. Later when asked, Van Zant said, "I had a creepy feeling things were going against us, so I thought I'd blow lines, slam some H and write a morbid song."[1] The lyrics cautioned that "tomorrow might not be here for you", and that "the smell of death surrounds you". Three days after the album was released, the band was devastated by a plane crash. The crash killed several members of Lynyrd Skynyrd, including Van Zant. "That Smell" was the second single released from Street Survivors and failed to chart.

[@damnitjanet9450]

The smell of addiction and death.

[@pamelajackson69]

It is an intervention aimed at a member of the band, Gary Rossington, who was an addict. His vices were affecting the band, including the postponement of a tour due to injuries he sustained while high. Ran his brand new car into a tree. The band fined him $5000 for delaying the start of the tour. Once the tour got underway, the band made an effort to remain sober throughout. Even going so far as banning drugs and alcohol from the dressing rooms.

[@russellkeeling4387]

I live in Southern Colorado and we used to hire a band out of Santa Fe that played this song perfectly. The bands name was Wild Oats and now every time I hear this song I instantly think of Wild Oats.

[@vickieray]

The smell of death is what Ronnie is talking about in this one ☝️ It’s literally an intervention of sorts. Check out “On The Hunt” 🔥🔥

[@dylandenney3980]

On the Hunt is as raunchy as it gets. Might be my favorite Skynyrd song

[@vickieray]

@@dylandenney3980 it’s in my top 5 Skynyrd songs 🎶🔥

[@supervegetogamer9520]

Love, love that song!

[@donnabruhn6907]

One of my all time favorite Lynard songs

[@lisastover8792]

Not one person I grew up with didn't have this tape in there car. We played it loud and proud.

[@bobcobb3654]

It’s a warning from the jump. “Whiskey bottle, brand new car, Oak tree, you’re in my way.” Singer was writing about how their dream of being rock stars was getting out of control.

[@heidiwaddell5721]

Another great song!! Nobody does it like skynard

[@wizards_web_]

I graduated in 2010 but when I played varsity football everyone had their ritual before the game on Friday night and for some reason mine became listening to this song before every game

[@ericacrumpton905]

The song written in the 70s. It's about Gary one of the guitarist. He actually the only original members still alive. He's the one that hit the oak tree and called prince charming.

[@sjgoode6590]

Allen Collins on that guitar was A BEAST!!!!! RIP

[@scrapyardbuilder1989]

"i can't interrupt this solo" much respect for saying that.

[@wendywingate4431]

I'm glad I read the comments during the intro. They kept me from watching the reaction because I know what this song was about and I can't imagine how anyone could interpret it as a good, happy or fun experience

[@bayou077]

I’ve heard this for over 30 years and never picked up these lyrics. 😮

[@pjhey947]

As a 17 year old when this song came out..we thought it was weed! We lit up our bongs and turned up this album. The 70s…Fun times

[@jimday3112]

This song was written soon after Gary Rossington and Allan Collins had separate car wrecks. Gary was hurt baf enough that he had to take time away to heal Ronnie Van Zant was getting really pissed off at the drug and alcohol abuse by band members. The line is 'the smell of death surrounds you'. Love the channel Van.

[@dreamweaver8913]

"Can't you smell that smell? The smell of death's around you!" Really rough watching someone go down that rabbit hole. Especially a loved one.

[@colinweir3203]

Was listening to this over 40 years ago in Brisbane Australia brother take care.

[@brandonlollis1506]

Skynyrd had the 3 best guitar players that ever lived they didn’t have to play over nothing

[@cwcroswell]

He’s saying don’t do it.. Amazing song 🎶 Three different guitarists slinging

[@goldboy150]

I find it interesting actually how van can be like über perceptive with lyrics on some songs and completely miss the point on others. I recently watched him and the kids do Eminem’s Godzilla and he was like an oracle breaking down the lyrics. Now he might have heard that song many times vs this skynard track which was the first time but still... These lyrics are easy to hear and every second line is about how the drugs are killing Gary, the subject. The hook is “ooh that smell...the smell of death surrounds you” ffs! How he came out of this thinking this was a party song is beyond me!

[@decoynda]

Skynyrd is a 3 guitar attack with Gary Rossington, Allen Collins, and Steve Gains and Leon Wilkeson AKA the "Mad Hatter" on bass

[@robc.8269]

That smell was Death, that what people said about them, because it was more than the party, it was addiction. They have another song called "the needle & the spoon". There's three guitarists in the band.

[@ladyyankeerebel3067]

When I heard this song at 7 years old, 42 years ago......I was hooked, on Skynyrd. So many life lessons in Skynyrds music, pay attention!

[@danielslover8669]

He said “don’t stick them needles in your arm”. Also at the of the chorus he says “ the smell of death is around you “. It’s an anti drug song.

[@TexasMagnolia]

Van, I highly recommend … when it comes to LS, read the background of the songs. Ronnie always wrote about real life events! This very important song lead the band to getting clean.

[@jerrygriffin7796]

They played it on stage just like you hear it on tape

[@chrissemones6195]

THE SMELL OF DEATH IS AROUND YOU . Not a party tune. A reality jam.

[@allisonoconnor8055]

Oops and Billy sat down at the piano this is how I would play it. The band dumbfounded they didn't know he was a classically trained pianist Oh Billy boy you in a band now😇💃

[@psycojuggalo1642]

The smell of DEATH surrounds you ...THAT SMELL

[@francessilman8484]

I love this channel, this song is about the smell of death , he's telling people if they keep doing it then it will kill them, like when he says take another toke have a blow for ur nose he's telling them like ya go ahead and you will end up dying. Love love love this song and everything by lynyrd skynyrd

[@bluesrock1]

This was Ronnie's anti-drug warning to the rest of his band.

[@Navygrl58]

Van, this is why getting the lyrics to the song is so important, you could follow along to what they’re saying! It’s totally an anti-drug song and one of the best songs ever made. RIP Lynyrd Skynyrd!

[@charliebabbit4325]

Ronnie was telling his guitarist, “you have the smell of death on you” he was in the depth of his addiction and wrapped his car around a tree, it ripped him up. Three days after this song officially released their plane crashed killing the singer, but sparing Gary R, “the troubled guitarist” he survived and got his life together

[@heidiwaddell5721]

All those country singers st that level were hard core partners. Johnny cash, Elvis and many others

[@codyandjessisalazar3429]

This song is a warning… you have to really listen to the lyrics!!! He’s saying don’t do it, otherwise you’re gonna die!!!

[@Tuesdays_Gone]

I love your reactions, and I enjoyed this one too because you were very passionate about what you were saying. However, you misunderstood this song. This is an anti-drug song. And this was based on a true story when Gary Rossington, one of the three guitarists totaled his car around an oak tree. ( I actually have some bark off this tree )This caused the band to have to reschedule several concerts and they fined Gary $10,000 because of this. The lyrics “ ooh that smell. The smell of DEATH surrounds you.” Ronnie is calling him a fool and tells him to go ahead and stick that needle in his arm and one more snort of the nose and that’s one hell of a price for you to get your kicks because he probably would not have survived. The band wis cleaning up their act, for the most part and this is definitely an anti-drug song and a STERN warning.

[@tonybarwick5248]

The smell of death surrounds you ! Got really listen to what he is singing !

[@PD-hv4js]

"Say you'll be all right come tomorrow But tomorrow might not be here for you!"

[@allisonoconnor8055]

It's hard to believe that the guy that wrote the song about Gary karma is the only one still alive from the original band. Although it's pretty scary he's had several cardiac events and two heart attacks on stage. I would have never made it through my teens if it weren't for Lynyrd Skynyrd. Fun fact Billy Powell on piano what's a roadie and they were all getting high practicing in

[@steveharmon735]

Great message and great guitar trio.

[@MrSmithOriginal]

"Tomorrow might not be here for you" because one way or another that hard dope and partying will kill you. That is the message. Thanks for the reaction! :)

[@bloodysweetzombiegirl]

Fun Fact: Every band member who had a flame behind them on the album cover died in the crash. It was changed to a solid black cover. Also…LISTEN to the song. Ronnie knew what was coming.

[@stangreen3853]

They wrote this song about their own lead guitarist who almost died in a car wreck with an oak tree.

[@shirleyallen5178]

This song is about the dangers of addiction and the very real possibility of death unless you get your sugar honey ice tea together! Deep track. Phenomenal

[@georgebaumes4414]

I hate when people say Skynyrd is Southern Rock. It's just great ROCK music.

[@bynumite76]

Yep!

[@Tuesdays_Gone]

It really is.

[@jeffbarnes19fg76]

Agreed. And I hate the word "grunge" it's just rock n roll baby

[@dylandenney3980]

@@jeffbarnes19fg76 exactly. Skynyrd and the Allmans are totally different. Just like Nirvana and Pearl Jam are totally different. Dumb to lump them together

[@pamelablake3358]

He is saying Don't stick those needles in your arm . The song was written for the one of the lead guitar players Gary rossington after he got f***** up and drove his brand new vehicle into an oak tree and the lead singer Ronnie Van Zant can't you smell the smell the smell of death is around you

[@ramaslambert7200]

Imagine all the work you put in and see that work of art being demonitized. I did that to a 33 year old guy.

[@emilymartinez6961]

Thanks for not interrupting the guitar solo

[@MomentsDivine]

"One Hell of a price to get your kicks" "The smell if Death surrounds you" It's an anti-drug song. Ronnie Van Zant wrote it after Gary Rossington hit a tree drunk driving. Those are the riffs from a 3-guitarist army, baby !!!

[@Purdin347]

That smell and needle and spoon are anti drug songs. Most people don't realize, and think it is a party song.

[@tamarawhiston7996]

The guitar players were feeding off of each other.

[@diamondwchamp]

That smell is about the smell of death. One of the band members said he could smell death before it happened. It's about a band member who was impaired and wrapped his car around a tree.

[@hackermusic3355]

Damn man. The meaning went right over your head.

[@juanitaminch4540]

LoVE LYNYRD SKYNRD

[@gustavobarreda438]

Guitar: Allen Collins, guitar: Gary Rossington, guitar: Steve Gaines

[@donaldallen4285]

This song was actually wrote about one of the band members of lynrd skynrd

[@lindseywillis3973]

I made my kids listen to the lyrics in this song bc he's saying hell no to drugs ... the smell of death surrounds you ... hits so hard .. we have lost alot teens to heroin and laced pills in my small community, my daughter is an addict to heroin ,I especially made her listen ... he's saying nothing good can come of it .... I agree!

[@TCB62912]

Their way of exposing the dangers of drugs and alcohol.

[@AllAmericanDawgs]

I think this song was a message to their band member who wrapped his car around a tree..... "oak tree, you're in my way," and was killed. His addiction was his death sentence and the other members couldn't save him.

[@ElizabethJohnson-ss4ce]

He was not killed.

[@user-cd8tl8re8u]

It's not an anti drug song , just a warning about the truth . . .

[@billbox1916]

Hey Van, good call here. There are 3 guitarists in this band. Gary Rossington, Allen Collins and Steve Gaines. So yes there were some great guitar harmonies and battles. The lyrics were making an anti drug statement. Much love brother.

[@arthurimhof2427]

Leon Wilkenson on Bass was my favorite he kicks ass on this song

[@susancurtis8388]

HELL YEAH!!!! I love this song

[@susancurtis8388]

Keeping up with those drums?? Lol good job!

[@grogdizzy5814]

"Can't you smell that smell? The smell of DEATH surrounds yoooouuuuu..." They're talking about how addicts are blind to their addiction and their self destruction.

[@michaelbaldwin8484]

The lyrics deal with the drug problems within the band, particularly guitarist Gary Rossington, who's car crash is described in the first verse and who gained the nickname "Prince Charming", as used in the third verse. Singer Ronnie Van Zandt felt that the "smell of death" was all around them because of their drug use

[@robertwalker1803]

One of their 3 best songs ever….

[@shawnj1966]

"The smell of death's around you". How do you not get that this about the perils of drug and alcohol abuse and not a glorification of it?

[@AnnieAnnieBuckwheatCakes]

To me, this song is about the dark side of drug dependency. A cautionary tale about moderation. So many talented ppl have succumbed to drug use.

[@swampmelons8122]

Oh man you have to listen to this song All In Alabama by Hank Williams Jr The song is about the time he almost died falling off a mountain. Please do this song I’m very curious to see how you like it. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@MrJoeyZaZa]

This is one of LS's best...

[@kenfletcher9645]

dude you usually nail it but this one you missed by a mile

[@wild8757]

Check out “needle and the spoon” or “on the hunt” by Lynyrd Skynyrd

[@robbiek555]

Well, drinking and smoking... but i am much older.... i also grew up on this music !

[@pablozee6359]

The chorus literally says “the smell of death surrounds you.” It’s weird when people jump to conclusions about the meaning of a song or make their own interpretation without really paying attention. Still a good reaction, but don’t be afraid of lyric videos 😂

[@rickiemanning426]

my favorite band

[@leisatrotter969]

It actually about Gary Rossingron one of the band members. If you listen their telling him if he dont quit he will die. He still with is

[@mzluna313]

I just celebrated 6 years clean from a 20+year opiate/heroin addiction. I know exactly what "That Smell" smells like and it isn't pleasant!

[@joeyboogenz]

Backup singers called the "Honkettes" RIP Cassie.

[@marileedent8499]

I didn't leave her alone she finally went home. Now what? God help me. My son died last year meth laced with fentynol. I pray 🙏 my hearts broken 💔 😢 I miss him. Miss my grandchildren father who PTSD and overdosed 6 years ago. 😢 I'm tired of our young generation dying

[@keithetherington4824]

They are saying don't do drugs. They are calling you a fool if you do. They had learned their lessons the hard way and they are trying to tell people not to do drugs.

[@kierstenridgway4634]

Definitely need to go for another listen.

[@foxchasejrt1]

Ronnie Van Zant said That Smell referred the the smell of burning flesh. His band mate had just wrapped another car around a tree, causing s postponement of their tour. Ronnie was pissed.