LYNYRD SKYNYRD – That Smell (1977)

Was “That Smell” a warning sign?

Written by Ronnie Van Zant and Allen Collins “That Smell” was released on the album Street Survivors. At the time the song was written, the band had been drinking and indulging in many different drugs. Van Zant had said he started drinking heavily to relieve the pressure of performing in front of large audiences.

A few weeks before Skynyrd was about to embark on a tour, guitarist, Gary Rossington had crashed his car into an oak tree in Jacksonville, Florida (home of Skynyrd). The tour was delayed and the band fined Rossington… Drugs and Alcohol were also banned from the dressing rooms in attempt to stay sober.

Inspired by the bands reckless behavior and over indulgence in different substances, Van Zant said… “I had a creepy feeling things were going against us, so I thought I’d write a morbid song.” The lyrics cautioned that “tomorrow might not be here for you“, and that “the smell of death surrounds you“.

Three days after the release of Street Survivors, Van Zant, and Steve and Cassie Gaines were killed in a plane crash.

May these souls are rest easy.

+That Smell lyrics below+

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
Go on stick them needles in your arm

I know I been there before

One little problem that confronts you
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