Allan Muir – A Survivor

Lynyrd Skynyrd – “That Smell”

Lynyrd Skynyrd is arguably one of the greatest bands to ever make music. They have a catalog of songs that have been used over and over. With songs like “Freebird”, “Simple Man”, and “Sweet Home Alabama”. The latter of which Gary Gallimore hates with a passion due to it being prominently used by “rednecks”. However, there is a song they made that has a bit of a story behind it. The song, “That Smell”. Gary Rossington who was one of the guitarists of the band had an alcohol problem. He had also gotten a new car, and you can probably tell where I am going with this. The opening lines to the song are a direct reference to Rossington’s issues. This is not the most heartbreaking story of the song as Lead Singer Ronnie van Zandt, Guitarist Steve Gaines, and backup singer Cassie Gaines were killed shortly after the song’s release. The album cover (Street Survivors) features the band covered in flames which hits harder for those who were around when the news was still relatively new.

When I had first heard the song, it had to have been well over twenty-five years after the tragic deaths of the band members. To me, the song speaks to those who have had destructive vices that one can relate to. Just being a kid, I had no idea what the song was even saying. I just thought it was a good tune with great riffs.

The song resonates with me to this day as I have issues that I will absolutely never get over. The biggest one was my spinal fusions well over a decade ago. While my surgeon never mentioned it, muscle relaxers are something I am just going to have to live with. The Allan Muir who had started enjoying things such as going to school, working, and other activities started to disappear. On a near daily basis, I am in tremendous pain specifically in the areas of my spine that had to have “equipment” added to it. While I try not to feel bitter as once you set down that road there is absolutely no coming back from it, I still try to look at the fact that I am still alive and finding things to enjoy about life these days.