Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “That Smell” pulls no punches. It’s a vivid cautionary tale about the dangerous allure of drugs and alcohol. The songwriter paints a graphic picture of the destruction caused by addiction. Written during a troubled time for the band, the lyrics shed light on the self-destructive behavior of band members, specifically guitarist Gary Rossington’s car accident under the influence. The essence? The consequences of such a lifestyle are grim, and the path of excess can quickly spiral to a tragic end.
Pause and rock on: unearth the untold saga behind Lynyrd Skynyrd’s timeless hit!
“That Smell” Lyrics Meaning
From the start, the song opens with images of “Whiskey bottles, and brand new cars” suggesting the trappings of rock ‘n’ roll fame but warning of the dangers with “Oak tree you’re in my way.” It sets the tone for the consequences that follow excesses.
The line “There’s too much coke and too much smoke” is a clear nod to the rampant drug use. The haunting chorus, “Ooh that smell. The smell of death surrounds you,” serves as a chilling reminder of the grim fate awaiting those who let substance abuse control them. When the lyrics state, “Angel of darkness is upon you, Stuck a needle in your arm,” it’s pretty straightforward. The band is warning about the perils of heroin use and its devastating impact on many in the rock community.
The mention of “Prince Charming” who “Can’t speak a word when you’re full of ‘ludes” is another glimpse into the world of drug misuse, referencing Quaaludes, a popular drug in the 70s. The line, “One little problem that confronts you, Got a monkey on your back,” speaks volumes. Addiction, often referred to as having a ‘monkey on your back’, is the dark cloud that looms large over the entire song.
Toward the end, the lyrics become even more personal, “One hell of a price for you to get your kicks,” perhaps referencing the costs that the band members themselves paid due to their lifestyles.
The Story Behind “That Smell”
Lynyrd Skynyrd, beyond their southern rock anthems, are known for their tumultuous history. And “That Smell” captures one of the band’s darkest periods, infused with raw emotion and harsh reality. The song was penned by the band’s lead vocalist, Ronnie Van Zant, and guitarist, Allen Collins, in the late 1970s. During this time, several band members were deep into substance abuse, which was becoming a serious concern. The title “That Smell” is a metaphor for the stench of death, suggesting that the path they were on was leading to tragedy.
The immediate inspiration for the song was a specific incident involving guitarist Gary Rossington. After getting high and drunk, Gary had a severe car accident, driving his new Ford Torino into an oak tree. This incident is subtly referenced in the lyrics, with mentions of whiskey bottles and the line “Oak tree you’re in my way.”
Ronnie Van Zant was increasingly worried about the direction in which some of his bandmates were heading. The song was his way of expressing concern, frustration, and a desperate hope for change. It was a warning, not just for his bandmates, but for everyone living on the edge.
Tragically, the song’s foreboding sense of impending doom became eerily prophetic. Just months after the release of the song, a plane crash claimed the lives of Ronnie Van Zant, guitarist Steve Gaines, vocalist Cassie Gaines, and several others. “That Smell” remains a haunting reminder of the perils of unchecked excess and the transient nature of life.