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

No discussion of Southern rock music would be complete without mentioning Lynyrd Skynyrd, the band widely hailed as one of the genre’s defining acts. Born from the sticky swamps of Florida in the early 1970s, their unique sound and style captured the hearts of music lovers all over the world. And few songs encapsulate that band’s essence better than “Ain’t the One,” a breakout hit from their debut album, Pronounced ‘Lĕh-'nérd 'Skin-'nérd.

About I Ain’t the One

First released in August of 1973, “I Ain’t the One” is a quintessential Southern rock classic that showcases Lynyrd Skynyrd’s signature sound: raw, bluesy guitar solos, thunderous drums, and Ronnie Van Zant’s soulful, gritty vocals. With lyrics that are simultaneously playful and defiant, the song tells the story of a man trying to persuade a woman that he’s not the settled-down type – that he’s a free spirit who’s always on the move.

What sets “I Ain’t the One” apart from some of the other Southern rock hits of the era is the sheer energy and excitement that it conveys. From the first note to the last, the band’s enthusiasm is palpable, and the result is a song that’s impossible not to move to. Whether you’re dancing at a party or cruising down the highway with the windows down, this song is the perfect soundtrack for any occasion that calls for high-octane, foot-stomping rock and roll.

Although it wasn’t an immediate commercial success – the song peaked at number 27 on the Billboard charts two years after its initial release – “I Ain’t the One” has since become one of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s most beloved songs. In fact, it’s hard to imagine any retrospective of the band’s career that doesn’t feature this powerhouse track.

Part of the reason for the song’s enduring popularity is that it perfectly encapsulates the rebellious, devil-may-care attitude that was a hallmark of Southern rock music in the 1970s. With its emphasis on freedom, individuality, and personal choice, “I Ain’t the One” remains a favorite of anyone who’s ever felt restless or bored with the mundane routines of everyday life.

At its core, “I Ain’t the One” is a celebration of the rebellious spirit that runs deep in the American South – a call to break free from the chains of conformity and embrace the wild, untamed spirit that burns within us all. And with its infectious energy and irresistible melodies, it’s no wonder that this song still resonates with listeners young and old, all these years later.

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