TELL EM! 🎵 ​Lynyrd Skynyrd - Give Me Back My Bullets REACTION

[@lancerx1759]

RVZ not singing the blues in this instance is a metaphor for not whining like a victim but opting to be triumphant over the aggressor that stands in his way

[@ginao8935]

This song is about Ronnie Van Zant’s experience with the record industry. Back then, everything was about charts. If your song made it to the top 100 then it got played on the radio and you made more money because more people heard your music and in turn, they bought your albums. The bullets he is referring to is the mark ( or bullet) in front of your song on the chart. If you had a “bullet” by your song it meant it was expected to move quickly up the charts . Ronnie felt he was being robbed of his bullets by the industry, hence the name, Gimmee back my bullets. Eventually this song had to be removed from their live playlist because people kept throwing bullets on the stage during their concerts. It’s a great song and they have so so many more!

[@ronaldgines171]

Cool. Thanks for the info.

[@cainealexander-mccord2805]

I thought I'd heard all the Skynyrd stories. Thanks for the info!

[@ginao8935]

@@ronaldgines171 no prob… I’m old lol. Seen many Skynyrd concerts in my time😊

[@Boatzilla2]

Thanks. Cool info. I never knew that. Makes total sense now. They seemed to have a lot of beefs with record companies. "Working for the MCA" is another one as well, I believe.

[@ginao8935]

@@Boatzilla2 yep you are right!

[@michaelmiletta7644]

The Bullets Ronnie is referring to are the Bullets on the Billboard top 100 charts. Lynyrd Skynyrd was going through a rough patch as a band at this time and the song is directed at the music industry.

[@robertjeans9446]

Great Scoop

[@tagmnbagm1]

Yeah, I never knew it was about music. Bullets were lyrics or some musical notes. Awesome

[@shawnmoree8882]

Yeah like cry for the bad man I know what you mean but Ronnie didn't need any bullets he could have beat the s*** out of all of them yeah they were trying to screw him over screw the whole goddamn band over in my opinion one of the best bands ever

[@neillenet291]

When he said you ain't going to hear me crying he's simply stating "I'm not a whiner." It doesn't get any better than Lynyrd Skynyrd you could play every song from their catalog and you would love every one.

[@Hobodeluxe960]

yeah he's saying 'bad crap happened but I'm not gonna cry about it"

[@neillenet291]

@@Hobodeluxe960 exactly.

[@loristone9242]

Yaaaassss! What you said. Right there.

[@ole9421]

Yep, from '74 to 77 was pure genius.

[@neillenet291]

@@ole9421 that band was absolutely magical. My first concert ever was was Lynyrd Skynyrd in 1976 about a year before the plane crash

[@wild8757]

🥁🎸💣🔥The songs “Needle and the spoon” and “On the hunt”are musts by Lynyrd Skynyrd!🥁🎸💣🔥

[@Frank-pe9pk]

I saw Lynyrd Skynyrd the first time my senior year high school 74 at Tampa Stadium. They were the opening act for Chicago. What a difference in music style. They blew the crowd away. Saw them again with Tampa’s own Outlaws and Molly Hatchet at a country rock festival. Those were the days…

[@michaelmulherin9952]

oh gawd dude 'hurry sundown' outlaws fer ever

[@michaelpenick2377]

This was a message to their record label. The last verse is no dig at the Blues. It's a warning to record execs. Saying I'm wise and educated and I'm taking control of my business 💯%

[@ericlofroos2405]

When he said “I do not sing the blues”, what he meant was he wasn’t going to cry about what he thought was taken from him. That’s what this song was all about. Lynyrd Skynyrd has always loved the blues. Listen to their song Curtis Low. They even played Robert Johnson’s Crossroads, on their first live album.

[@davidnoel2977]

Southern rock is a dirivitive of blues, gospel, country, rock. I was born and raised here in Mobile, Alabama. The South has it's own feel and sound. And contrary to the lieing lefts views, we love everyone. Blues is obviously a great and well respected part of Southern rock that came from black culture. If we didn't love and respect it, Southern rock wouldn't sound the way it does.

[@jackiegoodspeed1849]

I believe that. Many hung out with no name black musicians. Hence the confederate flag not racism to some.

[@davidnoel2977]

@@jackiegoodspeed1849 facts

[@anthonyfuentes1417]

I really dig it when young people like and appreciate great classic rock bands. Go, Brad and Lex, Go!

[@allanboyer2769]

When he says "I do not sing the blues", he means he does not let himself get down or depressed. He does not wallow in self pity.

[@jessebower5843]

My best budy; his dad had a quote from this song under his senior picture. He(the dad) was a Marine scout sniper who took his own life.

[@bloodybutunbowed291]

The "Ride" cymbal in this song (especially from the guitar solo on) is nothing short of spectacular!!!

[@alexmoya2284]

I don't think they would take a shot at the blues, I think he was saying he won't feel sorry for himself.

[@goldenagenut]

From the opening note, the guitar work is so wicked on this song! The guitarists in Skynyrd had a way of each jamming on their own while blending perfectly with the others, each style complimenting the others, creating a sound that no other band got.

[@FunkyMonk4Life]

In Florida, the further north you go the more southern you get.

[@frankrizzo4460]

Yes you are correct sir, my sister lives in North Florida..

[@shawnj1966]

He did sing the blues in several songs. He meant it figuratively. The band is from Jacksonville and in Florida, the farther north you go the more southern it is with a few exceptions.

[@hardtimes1267]

Yes ma'am that is Gary Rossington playing the lead guitar parts on this song. Gary just passed away a couple of weeks ago at the age of 71. He was the last of the original members. Thank you so much for keeping their music alive. 🎸🎸🎸

[@srt8rocketship241]

He's singing about the music company taking their songs/ bullets. This album like all of them is great.

[@neilny7797]

This was a time when southern rock was huge everywhere in the US and even dudes here in NY had confederate flags hanging because they liked the music. Not some dumb-ass political crap. Rock, in all its forms, united our generation. I miss those days

[@Peopleofthesun386]

The confederate flag has always been political

[@neilny7797]

@@Peopleofthesun386 well it wasn’t to a bunch of teenagers who didn’t know the history behind it and just thought it was cool because we liked the music. Different times

[@jeffbenjamin6480]

@@Peopleofthesun386 It originally had nothing to do with slavery.

[@Peopleofthesun386]

@@neilny7797 Ignorance is not an excuse

[@Peopleofthesun386]

@@jeffbenjamin6480 And the swastika was not about fascism either at first. But here we are

[@joesmith8725]

They are from north Florida, the panhandle, which is country, southern lol. Borders Alabama and Georgia. This is blues rock, southern rock. Not taking a shot a blues. Blues isn't always sad BTW. This was a great band. Many great songs from them. Southern rock was huge during the '70s and '80s.

[@randyrupert2798]

They are from Jacksonville, not in the panhandle.

[@LaserRanger15]

Jacksonville

[@jasonturner8840]

I love how Lex has listened to enough Lynyrd Skynryd to recognize Gary Rossington and his unique style of guitar playing!😍🎸

[@westonwhitham5894]

Lynyrd Skynyrd is an American rock band formed in Jacksonville, Florida. The group originally formed as My Backyard in 1964 and comprised Ronnie Van Zant, Gary Rossington, Allen Collins, Larry Junstrom and Bob Burns. The band spent five years touring small venues under various names and with several lineup changes before deciding on "Lynyrd Skynyrd" in 1969.

[@djl9919]

I love Lynyrd Skynyrd. Rock on Brad & Lex

[@robertwilson5058]

When I was introduced to Skynyrd I didn't realize I was going to be musically affected by every song this band made. Every one is Gold in this man's book!

[@shelbys6572]

What he meant when he said I don't sing the blues was those people weren't gonna make him sad and they had no more power over him. They weren't gonna make him sing the blues, he's done

[@Madcat1776]

These are my roots~ as a child my father used to listen to this, and I still jam to it...

[@anandasmom]

Taking his power back... love it.

[@bobblethreadgill4463]

We all sing the blues 💙 at one time or another... Keep it up y'all...

[@johnkennedy1756]

Lately you have been reacting to many of my favorite songs from great artists. This is one of Skynard's very best!

[@tjmasson1013]

Literally listen to this song once a day. skynyrd are the peoples champs!

[@Grey_Beard72]

North Florida is just like Georgia and Alabama. I used to live in Lake City.

[@csutton161]

This album, Street Survivors, is a CLASSIC> I saw them in Greenville SC October 20, 1977, the night that they were in the plane crash that killed lead singer, Ronnie Van Zandt, lead guitarist, Steve Gaines, and his sister Cassie Gaines, backup singer. Such a loss..I look forward to you doing more reactions by Lynyrd Skynyrd,,,

[@JaimeGlover]

It's so refreshing to see young people who enjoy LS as much as I do! I saw them live 6 times in the 70's in Denver. You two are too cute. Glad I found you.

[@americanmutt9089]

I'm sure Gary Rossington (guitar) has his licks contributing to this track., The bass really stands out for me on this song too.

[@clodge5196]

That was Leon on base right I'm not sure though

[@TheBuzzo72]

@@clodge5196 Thats definitely Leon . Leon played bass on Second Helping though Street Survivors.

[@bigh9248]

To me, Leon is what made Skynyrd. That “lead bass” style of his

[@ericleonard2835]

Leon’s bass line on this sounds like Entwistle rubbed off on him while Skynyrd was touring with The Who

[@paulgillenwater5487]

Those are all Allen collins, his Squanky firebird tone is all over this one

[@dingeralan8911]

Bullets are songs that shoot up to the top , this song is about getting back up the charts .

[@jackiegoodspeed1849]

One of the best. Gone too soon.

[@SIR-DanielHunter]

Lynyrd Skynyrd is from Florida

[@kattcity]

Keep digging much more to explore with Skynyrd,

[@laudanum669]

YES! Finally one of my favorite Skynrd songs. "I drank enough Whiskey to float a Battleship around" is such a great line.

[@MykeP46]

You ought to check out the live (1976) version of T for Texas!

[@tiggerwoods100]

The best thing about the old rock music as far as groups go. Nothing ever sounded or vibes the same way on any given album. The albums were like roller coasters.

[@YedMan01]

Another one of my top five Lynyrd Skynyrd songs I love the song

[@straightener2001]

No such thing as a bad tune by these guys. My favorite is Railroad Song.

[@jackmark5532]

I think he's sayin', "i'm a badass, i won't let you hurt me." kinda thing. You two RULE!!!

[@MarylandWolves110]

Lynyrd Skynyrd banger

[@DTA760]

Live recording from the Album One More from the Road is probably my favorite version of this song.

[@chrisbrimhall6323]

Story goes that when they sang this song live in the early days, when the sang Give Me Back My Bullets.....the fans threw bullets on to the stage😄

[@STEELCITYBERMA]

Comin’Home is another great song to check out from Skynyrd

[@armchairgravy8224]

Thanks, B&L community. I'm a music nerd, but I almost always learn something new about a song from the community.

[@davidteller7681]

Yep, that's Gary Rossington on lead guitar, this a classic example of his guitar tone, playing his Gibson Les Paul "Bernice"

[@gcofield4498]

Shot at the record industry. That industry would steal from the artists. Ronnie would tellem like it is.

[@armadillotoe]

Call and response is the term for an instrument echoing a voice or other instrument.

[@hmpz36911]

Had the chance to catch the new Skynyrd about 20 years ago. Not the classic lineup, but still a great show.

[@richardmodglin3900]

You nailed it Lex! That's what he meant about the blues comment. He's feeling better everyday and he's loaded for bear. Great reaction!

[@marinabrennan7695]

Coming Home, Tuesday's Gone, Working for MCA are some others to check out from Skynard. And from one of their newer albums, check out "Jake" and "Dead Man Walking" or for a softer song, "Lucky Man", which my husband and I actually used as our wedding song. Hope you enjoy them all!

[@cainealexander-mccord2805]

The best part of your vids are all the loopy interpretations at the end. I can't wait to see what looney tune comes next! Love you guys!

[@bluetopguitar1104]

Gary Rossinton is the guitarist with the heavy more bassy sound. He also plays slide on free bird. Damn Lex, you should be playing guitar. You sure have a feel for it. Skynyrd is from Jacksonville Fla.

[@hog7203]

Yep pretty sure that's Gary doing those guitar lead fills. He was great at getting those squeal sounding false harmonics. There are only two guitarists on this album. Allen Collins and Gary Rossington. Ed King had left the band before they recorded it. Although I love all of Skynyrd's music, this album is probably my favorite. It has a rawer simpler sound. The tune Cry for the Bad Man is a goodie from it.

[@paulgillespie542]

Lex you're talking about a " call and return " method used in many songs, including blues. B.B. King mastered this

[@EarthWalker2023]

American by birth, SOUTHERN BY THE GRACE OF GOD!

[@terrylandess6072]

Billy Powell - it's hard to describe how much he adds. Subtle texturing, like the 'church organ' sound during specific sections. Other times peckin' the piano keys to drive the beat.....

[@baneslists]

As we say down here: WTF! (Welcome to Florida!)

[@crazydale1000]

The screech Rex is referring to is called a pinch. Actually it's a bend with a pinch included. Gotta get the string between the pick and your thumb.

[@YedMan01]

Lex, you are correct, Gary Rossington is the only original member of Lynyrd Skynyrd the only one left. Ironically, the lead singer who died in the plane crash Ronnie Van Zant has two brothers Ronnie was the oldest , next is Donnie who plays in a band, called, 38 Special , and the youngest brother Johnny is Lynyrd Skynyrd’s current lead singer. This particular recording, Alan Collins is also playing guitar. they always had a good size band singer, they had one to two drummers before, they’ve had up to three guitarists, one bass player, and and they had background singers at one time, and piano player

[@mrodeiro3002]

Yall are cool! Been lovin skynyrd since a kid Glad yall feelin it

[@andychisarick6879]

Yes Lex that is Gary Rossington playing that guitar solo. I can usually tell which guitarist is playing what. Easy on this album cause they were down to 2 lead guitarists for this one album only but thats another story.

[@dyerstrayts1734]

Yep. That's Gary ... Rossington playin the funky vibe

[@davidcohen1424]

Lynyrd Skynyrd loves the blues. If you really want to hear them get down on some serious Mississippi Delta style blues? React to (Four Walls of Raiford) Raiford is a Florida State Prison. (Its an amazing song)

[@christopherbako]

Regarding Blues. In the song "need all my friends " He sang "my throat is raw from singing the blues" That's an amazing song BTW.

[@anthonyg813]

I drank enough whiskey to float a battleship around! Ronnie Van Zant the Goat!!!!!

[@magnolia7277]

One of my all time favourite songs, I'm going to dig the album out tomorrow!

[@JefferySwan-sg2wv]

The truck rockin' on down road....there goes Brad

[@williamjordan5554]

Having the blues means being depressed. That's the emotion originally behind blues music. No rocker would insult the blues.

[@steveramsey5391]

If it wasn’t for the Blues this song would not exist, thanks Lex, you truly get it! Thanks too Brad, you have a great insight, and I love y’all

[@jakesmith1942]

Love you both. Thank You for this

[@ronaldpena8990]

The first band I ever saw in concert. 1974. In New Orleans.

[@ShreddFly]

Hey what's up guys! Greetings from South Florida! Skynyrd rocks! You guys rock! God bless you! Peace!

[@lantose]

That was Gary Rossington playing his Gibson Les Paul that you were giddy about Lex! He has excellent tone! “You Got That Right” is one of their newer songs from the 90’s you’d like; upbeat and great guitar work in tandem!

[@boki1693]

By the way. Skynard is from Northern Florida. This song was about how the music charts would rank the songs on the charts. If it was a fast rising song they would give you a number at where it was at and say with a bullet. That meant it was rising fast. Skynard I believe had a dry period or whatever and hadn't had a song with a bullet in awhile so "Gimmie back my bullets" was their way of saying they wanted more fast rising hits. Or something like that. It's been awhile since I read the book and I may not have that 100% right but you get the idea. Similar to the song "That Smell." Not being about what is the obvious. Most people think it's Mary Jane or even a woman that is aroused he is talking about. In actuality, the song is about a car wreck he was in and the smell of the rubber on the tires melting around him.

[@TransmogPresents]

It is Gary adding those accents between lines in the verses , good call

[@stanpiers247]

A Bullet is given to songs that are showing upward momentum on an airplay chart. In Music Tracking, Bullets are denoted with a black circle next to the song's Rank on the Overview report. Songs that are debuting with a bullet are shown with a "D" inside a black circle.

[@ericsmith6615]

Wife here..Hey Brad..That's the feeling I've always gotten from this particular song..A "don't mess with me vibe"..!!

[@SmellsLikeJoshua]

Cranberries - Promises. Banging

[@craigholt9571]

Nice reaction. I grew up on this band, from my hometown

[@MrScottsearles]

"Gimme Back My Bullets", such a great album, but then you can't go wrong with Skynyrd!

[@pennymoss8152]

My favorite. ❤️

[@valanatorpoop85]

Brads a different man after his birthday.. New Orleans is the ultimate southern town..

[@Booderman]

“ Florida” the only state where the farther north you drive, the more southern you get! If y’all ever want to come to Jax I could arrange a Skynyrd tour with Gene Odom ( Band manager and Ronnie’s best friend ! )

[@garyleesjukejoint9510]

Cool reaction video of one of my favorites. I enjoyed watching and listening to your thoughts.

[@steveo6631]

You gotta check out "Needle and the Spoon"... One of my favorite riffs... Love the reactions... Cool that I found your channel...

[@americanmutt9089]

I'd follow this up with You Got That Right.

[@Prone2Thrill]

I have this one on my daily favorites, so filthy!

[@andifisaytoyoutomorrow0]

As usual Lex is on point. Bravo.

[@davidcohen1424]

Yes Lex. You are right. That is Gary that your hearing on guitar there. (Gary Rossington)

[@VictorHernandez-dd5ls]

Hey yall. Dude , FYI, Skynrd is from Florida! Also,I I never saw THE BALLAD OF CURTIS LOWE as a true blues cut because there was a fine line between all genres and the Southern Rock genre they were striving to put on the map at this particular time and juncture.

[@jrwalker591]

​Lynyrd Skynyrd - "They call me the Breeze" Can't wait for you guys to cover this one, Please...

[@simonpanter3627]

They had gone from 3 guitar players down to 2 and and didn't do as well on that album. They blamed it on not having the 3rd guitar player. So they went back to having 3 when they added Steve Gaines, who was the background singer Cassie Gaines Brother. A bullet straight up the record charts is his reference. Gimme back my bullets.

[@mvellis3863]

Great title track to a great album !

[@hampyonce]

I love this song.