Lynyrd Skynyrd

Lyrics

[Verse 1]
Now, I'll tell you plainly baby
What I plan to do
Say I may be crazy, woman
But I ain't no fool
Your daddy is rich, mama
You're overdue
Now I ain't the one, baby
Been messing with you

[Chorus]
Got bells in your mind, lady
And it's easy to see
I think it's time for me to move along
I do believe
Ah you're tryin' to put a hook in me, baby
Oh no

[Verse 2]
Now you're talking jive, woman
When you say to me
That your daddy's gonna take us in, baby
Take care of me
You know and I know, woman
I ain't the one
I never hurt you, sweetheart
I never pulled my gun
[Chorus]
Got bells in your mind, mama
And it's easy to see
I think it's time for me to move along
I do believe
Time for me to put my boots out in the street, missy
Are you ready boots, walk on

[Guitar Solo]

[Verse 3]
Well now, all right there missy, let me tell you a thing or two
Now you're talking jive, woman
When you say to me
That your daddy's gonna take us in baby
Take care of me
When you know and I know, woman
I ain't the one
I never hurt you sweet heart
I never pulled my gun

[Chorus]
Got bells in your mind, mama
And it's easy to see
I think it's time for me to move along
I do believe
I must be in the middle of some kind of conspiracy

When it comes to Southern rock, few bands can match the raw energy and sheer talent of Lynyrd Skynyrd. And one of the standout tracks from their debut album, Pronounced ‘Lĕh-'nérd 'Skin-'nérd, is the electrifying "I Ain't the One." Released in August of 1973, this song quickly became a fan favorite, thanks to its undeniably catchy melodies, impressive guitar solo, and the late Ronnie Van Zant's iconic vocals.

Right from the opening chords, "I Ain't the One" grabs your attention and refuses to let go. The song is a perfect showcase for Lynyrd Skynyrd's signature sound, blending elements of rock, blues, and country into a powerhouse of Southern rock goodness. It's a rollicking journey through the rural landscapes of the American South, with Van Zant's vocals painting vivid pictures of hard-living and fast-driving.

One of the defining features of "I Ain't the One" is the mesmerizing guitar work. The band's lead guitarist, Gary Rossington, delivers a blistering solo that showcases his immense talent and adds an extra layer of intensity to the song. His fingers dance across the fretboard, effortlessly weaving together intricate melodies and searing riffs that will leave you in awe.

But it's not just the instrumentals that make "I Ain't the One" a standout track. The lyrics, penned by Ronnie Van Zant himself, capture the essence of a defiant and independent spirit. The song serves as a warning to anyone who dares to underestimate the protagonist, asserting that they won't be taken advantage of or brought down. It's a rallying cry for individuality and self-determination, set against a backdrop of Southern authenticity.

About I Ain’t the One

"I Ain't the One" was released on Lynyrd Skynyrd's debut album, Pronounced ‘Lĕh-'nérd 'Skin-'nérd, in August of 1973. This powerful album introduced the world to Lynyrd Skynyrd's unique blend of Southern rock, blues, and country influences, and established them as one of the most exciting new bands of the era. The song itself combines all these elements seamlessly, creating a sound that is distinctly Lynyrd Skynyrd.

The track opens with a bang, with a catchy guitar riff that immediately grabs your attention. From there, it's a non-stop rollercoaster ride of infectious hooks and driving rhythms. The rhythm section, comprised of bassist Leon Wilkeson and drummer Bob Burns, provides a solid foundation for the song, keeping the energy high and the groove locked in.

But it's Van Zant's vocals and lyrics that truly elevate "I Ain't the One." His soulful and gritty voice brings an emotional intensity to the song, while his lyrics tell a story of strength and resilience. The chorus, with its defiant refrain of "I ain't the one, babe," serves as an empowering anthem for anyone who has ever felt overlooked or underestimated.

It's worth noting that "I Ain't the One" wasn't an immediate commercial success. While the song's infectious energy and undeniable talent were clear, it would take some time for it to reach a wider audience. In 1975, two years after its release, the song peaked at #27 on the Billboard 200 chart, solidifying its place in rock history.

Over the years, "I Ain't the One" has become a staple of Lynyrd Skynyrd's live performances. The band's electrifying stage presence and their ability to capture the raw energy of the song make it a fan favorite at every show. It's a testament to the enduring power of Lynyrd Skynyrd's music and the impact of "I Ain't the One" on their career.

In the end, "I Ain't the One" is a timeless classic that showcases the best of Southern rock. With its catchy melodies, impressive guitar work, and empowering lyrics, it's a song that continues to resonate with audiences today. So, next time you're in the mood for some adrenaline-pumping, soul-stirring music, crank up the volume and let Lynyrd Skynyrd take you on a wild ride with "I Ain't the One."

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