Now it actually makes sense to yell “Play Free Bird!”
Lynyrd Skynyrd’s iconic rock anthem will live on forever, if only so the joke of yelling to play “Free Bird” at random artists and musicians can continue for eternity. The song, which came out in 1973, was originally written by founding band members Ronnie Van Zant (lead singer) and Allen Collins (guitarist). It’s undoubtedly the signature song for the rock band, and it was included on Lynyrd Skynyrd’s debut album (Pronounced ‘Lĕh-‘nérd ‘Skin-‘nérd).
Little did they know that they were creating an anthem that would stand the test of time.
I’d assume it’s the most requested song of all time, especially by those that are intoxicated. There’s nothing that frees you like a bird than getting a little sloshed on 2-for-1 beer night and yelling out “FREE BIRD!” at the live band. From what I’m told… obviously I’ve never found myself in that situation.
The good news for fans attending the 4 Nations Face-Off that’s currently taking place in Boston, Massachusetts is that there will be no need to request “Free Bird.” That’s because one of the teams that’s competing in the international best-on-best tournament has chosen the Lynyrd Skynyrd track as their goal scoring song. Out of Canada, Finland, Sweden, and the United States of America… guess which country is choosing to rock out every time they score?
Good guess:
Headphones on – Free Bird is BACK
#4Nations pic.twitter.com/FLt5kKhtjd
— USA Hockey (@usahockey) February 13, 2025
File that underneath “Best Hype Videos I’ve Ever Seen.”
Team USA has adopted one of the best songs of all time as their goal song, and it’s beautiful. One could even draw it up as a prophecy fulfilling moment. On the list of songs that connote America and patriotism, I’d say “Free Bird” cracks the top five, right? Here’s what I’ve got:
5. “God Bless America”
4. “Free Bird”
3. “God Bless the U.S.A”
2. “America The Beautiful”
1. “The Star Spangled Banner”
Yes, that’s right. I’ve got Lynyrd Skynyrd’s song ahead of the all-time-classic “God Bless America.” If you don’t agree with me, that’s fine. That’s what free speech is all about baby!
But anyways, getting back to Team USA choosing “Free Bird” as their goal song, hockey fans are hoping to hear the track more often than not during the 4 Nations Face-Off. The United States team got off to a promising start last night, beating Finland in dominate fashion with a score of 6 to 1. For those at home, that means the crowd got to sing along to Lynyrd Skynyrd six separate times.
Here’s one of the goals for reference:
MATTY BOLDY GIVES TEAM USA THE LEAD
PLAY FREE BIRD!
pic.twitter.com/DBr5CDSP5v
— ESPN (@espn) February 14, 2025
There was another point during the competition when USA scored three goals in under three minutes, which is just absurd. But that just meant the crowd got to listen to the majestic, southern stylings of Lynyrd Skynyrd that much more. And I’d chalk that up as a win.
Team USA first elected to have “Free Bird” as their goal song in the 2025 World Juniors tournament, and they had plenty of success with it (they won gold). If this United States team continues that victory streak, I’d say America has no choice but to make the rock ballad their official goal song across all levels… forever.
COME ON WITH IT!
The post Team USA Chose Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Free Bird” As Their Goal Song For The 4 Nations Face Off, & It’s GLORIOUS first appeared on Whiskey Riff.