Through the years of 1970 and 1971, legendary singer/songwriter and rock icon Neil Young was dealing with a recurring lyrical theme of the legacy of slavery and continued racism in the American South. This spawned two of Young's most classic rock songs, "Southern Man," and "Alabama." These songs tackle the racism that is prevalent in that part of the country and the ways it manifests up to today. As it turns out, an up and coming southern rock band heard this songs and took issue with the way the south was portrayed. They decided to write a song directly calling Young out for his statements. That band was Lynyrd Skynyrd, and that song was "Sweet Home Alabama."
"Sweet Home Alabama" kicks off the band's second album, following their extremely successful debut record. The band was climbing the ladder of stardom very quickly, and needed a real smash hit song to cement them as one of the biggest up-and-coming groups of the era. That success came with "Sweet Home Alabama," which became and remains the band's biggest song, landing at number eight on the Billboard Hot 100.
It's an instantly recognizable song that defines the band. Many people however are unaware that the song is one of the earliest examples of a diss track, with an entire verse of the song devoted to calling out Neil Young by name.
Well, I heard Mr. Young sing about her (Southern man)Well, I heard ol' Neil put her downWell, I hope Neil Young will rememberA Southern man don't need him around, anyhow
If you were to ask me which side of this musical feud I land on, I think I need to give the edge to Neil Young. He's absolutely one of my favorite musicians ever, and I think both songs of his are calling attention to valid issues that persist in the South still. Not to mention Young's excellent guitar work on both songs and especially on "Southern Man."
Regardless of which side of the feud you were on, it's undeniable that it's an important chapter in music history that spawned one of rock's most iconic tracks.
Related: 1972 Folk Classic, Written as a Tribute to Jimi Hendrix, Is One of Music's Most Tragic Songs
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