Something to Live For

The Zoo Crew is spinning the heartfelt track "Something to Live For" by Lynyrd Skynyrd from their 2012 album Last of a Dyin’ Breed, and the Zoo Freaks are surely feeling the soul of this Southern rock gem. This song stands out for its emotional depth, with lyrics that reflect on resilience and finding purpose amidst life’s struggles. In a 2012 interview with Classic Rock magazine, guitarist Gary Rossington shared that the album, including tracks like "Something to Live For," was about staying true to the band’s roots while embracing their modern sound. He noted that the song’s reflective tone resonated with the band’s journey, especially after decades of tragedy and perseverance. Fan reviews on Amazon echo this, with one listener describing the track as a tear-jerker that captures the essence of Southern pride and survival, making it a favorite from the album.

While specific stories about "Something to Live For" are scarce in interviews, the song’s creation ties into the band’s collaborative spirit. According to a fanpack magazine released with the album, the track was crafted with input from core members Johnny Van Zant, Rickey Medlocke, and Rossington, alongside new bassist Johnny Colt and guest guitarist John 5. The band aimed to blend their classic triple-guitar attack with a fresh, sentimental edge, and this song’s introspective lyrics about holding onto hope fit that vision. On Facebook, fans in the Lynyrd Skynyrd Fan Group have praised the track for its relatable message, with one user posting in 2020 that it reminded them of their own struggles and gave them a reason to keep going. The song’s placement on the album, alongside rockers like "Homegrown" and "Honey Hole," shows Skynyrd’s range, balancing grit with vulnerability.

Lynyrd Skynyrd got their start in Jacksonville, Florida, in the mid-1960s, when a group of high school friends began jamming under various names like The Noble Five and My Backyard. The core trio of Ronnie Van Zant (vocals), Gary Rossington (guitar), and Allen Collins (guitar) formed the band’s foundation, later adopting the name Lynyrd Skynyrd as a playful jab at their strict gym teacher, Leonard Skinner, who disapproved of their long hair. According to Britannica, the band honed their craft playing local gigs, with Ronnie’s gritty vocals and the triple-guitar sound defining their Southern rock style. By 1973, their debut album, Pronounced Leh-Nerd Skin-Nerd, featuring classics like "Free Bird," catapulted them to fame. Despite a tragic 1977 plane crash that killed Ronnie and others, the band reformed in 1987 with Johnny Van Zant, Ronnie’s brother, as frontman, continuing their legacy.

The band’s early days were marked by relentless gigging and a fierce DIY spirit. A Wikipedia entry details how they competed in local "Battle of the Bands" contests, with Ronnie briefly joining a rival group before solidifying Skynyrd’s lineup. Their breakthrough came when producer Al Kooper signed them to MCA Records, drawn to their raw energy and storytelling. Over the years, Skynyrd faced numerous lineup changes and losses, but their commitment to Southern rock endured, earning them a 2006 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction. Fans can connect with the band on their official website, Facebook, Instagram, and X. For deeper fan engagement, check out the Lynyrd Skynyrd Fan Group on Facebook or the community at r/LynyrdSkynyrd on Reddit, where Zoo Freaks can share their love for Skynyrd’s timeless sound.