Lynyrd Skynyrd

Lyrics

[Verse 1]
I was cutting the rug down at a place called The Jug
With a girl named Linda Lou
When in walked a man with a gun in his hand
And he was looking for you-know-who
He said, "Hey there fellow with the hair colored yellow
What you trying to prove?
'Cause that's my woman there and I'm a man who cares
And this might be all for you"
I said, "Excuse me"

[Verse 2]
I was scared and fearing for my life
I was shaking like a leaf on a tree
'Cause he was lean, and mean, and
Big and bad, Lord, a-pointing that gun at me
"Oh wait a minute, mister, I didn't even kiss her
Don't want no trouble with you
And I know you don't owe me but I wish you would let me
Ask one favor from you"

[Chorus]
"Oh won't you give me three steps, gimme three steps, mister
Gimme three steps towards the door?
Gimme three steps, gimme three steps, mister
And you'll never see-a me no more
For sure"
[Guitar Solo]

[Verse 3]
Well the crowd cleared away and I began to pray
And the water fell on the floor
And I'm telling you, son, well, it ain't no fun
Staring straight down a forty-four
Well he turned and there screamed at Linda Lou
And that's the break I was looking for
And you could hear me screaming a mile away
As I was headed out towards the door

[Chorus]
"Oh won't you give me three steps, gimme three steps, mister
Gimme three steps towards the door?
Gimme three steps, gimme three steps, mister
And you'll never see-a me no more
Show me the back door"

Are you ready to take a trip down memory lane with one of the most iconic southern rock bands of all time? Well, get your boots on and turn up the volume because we're diving into the legendary Lynyrd Skynyrd and their classic hit, "Gimme Three Steps." This song takes us through a wild ride of partying, mistaken identity, and the terrifying consequences that follow. So, let's unpack the story behind this timeless tune and discover why it has become an essential part of rock and roll history.

About Gimme Three Steps

"Gimme Three Steps" is a legendary rock anthem that was released by Lynyrd Skynyrd in 1973. It instantly became a fan favorite and a staple in the band's live performances. This electrifying track showcases the band's distinctive southern rock sound, infused with bluesy guitar riffs, energetic rhythms, and Ronnie Van Zant's soulful vocals.

The song's narrative revolves around a classic situation many of us can relate to – hitting on the wrong girl and facing the intimidating consequences from her suspicious boyfriend. Van Zant's storytelling ability shines through as he takes us on a whirlwind journey, unfolding a vivid and captivating tale through his raw and powerful lyrics.

As the song kicks off, we're immediately hooked by the catchy guitar riff that sets the energetic tone for the entire track. The band wastes no time in grabbing our attention and catapulting us into their world of wild parties and unexpected encounters.

One fascinating aspect of "Gimme Three Steps" is its autobiographical nature. The song stems from a real-life encounter that lead singer Ronnie Van Zant had at a bar called The One Way Inn. In this establishment, Van Zant found himself in a precarious situation when he innocently approached a girl on the dance floor, not realizing she was already taken.

As the lyrics unfold, Van Zant recounts the tension-filled moment when the girl's boyfriend realizes what is happening and confronts him. Faced with the imminent threat of violence, Van Zant quickly thinks on his feet and pleads for a chance to escape the impending fight. The title of the song, "Gimme Three Steps," refers to his request to take just three steps away before chaos erupts.

Lynyrd Skynyrd's descriptive prowess shines throughout the song as they vividly convey the adrenaline-filled rush of the situation. The band perfectly captures the mix of fear and desperation Van Zant must have felt, injecting the lyrics with a blend of humor, vulnerability, and unabashed southern charm.

The combination of Van Zant's powerful vocals, Gary Rossington's searing guitar solos, and the tight-knit rhythm section consisting of Allen Collins, Leon Wilkeson, and Bob Burns, creates an exhilarating musical backdrop that amplifies the intensity of the storytelling. This synergy between the band members is what catapults "Gimme Three Steps" from an entertaining song to an unforgettably dynamic experience.

While the song's central theme revolves around a specific encounter at a bar, its broader appeal lies in the universal sentiment it embodies. We've all found ourselves in situations where we unintentionally crossed paths with someone who did not take too kindly to our actions. Whether it's during a night out or in various aspects of our lives, the fear and desperation in Van Zant's voice resonate with audiences, making "Gimme Three Steps" relatable on a personal level.

The impact of "Gimme Three Steps" goes far beyond being just another rock anthem. It has solidified itself as a timeless classic that continues to generate excitement and evoke emotions from fans all around the world. The song has become an integral part of Lynyrd Skynyrd's history and a testament to their musical legacy.

So, the next time you find yourself in a dicey situation, remember the captivating tale Lynyrd Skynyrd weaves in "Gimme Three Steps." Let it serve as a reminder that even in the face of danger, quick thinking and a little bit of luck can lead to a narrow escape. And of course, never underestimate the power of a legendary rock band to turn real-life experiences into timeless musical masterpieces.

• Release Date: August 13, 1973
• Artist: Lynyrd Skynyrd