Speaking of Muses
By all accounts, the famous lyrical war of words between Lynyrd Skynyrd and Neil Young was more of a spiritual debate between friends than an actual feud between enemies. Consider the lyrics: “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.”
Source: ultimateclassicrock.com
Young’s songs “Alabama” and “Southern Man” were centered on the South’s past of checkered race relations. He included references to slave ownership and cross burning. It seems as though Van Zant felt that Young was painting too many good people with the same antiquated brush. He responded with the famous “Sweet Home Alabama” lyric. But let it be known that both artists repeatedly declared their respect for each other.