The Meaning Behind The Song: That Smell by Lynyrd Skynyrd

Introduction

Released in 1977, “That Smell” is a song from the American rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd’s album “Street Survivors.” The song, which was written by lead singer Ronnie Van Zant and guitarist Allen Collins, is widely regarded as a cautionary tale about drug abuse and its destructive nature.

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While Skynyrd’s music often focused on themes of Southern pride and rebellion, “That Smell” took a different approach, delving into the darker aspects of life that are often ignored in the rosy hues of nostalgia. In this article, we will explore the meaning behind “That Smell” and why it still resonates with audiences today.

Verse 1: The Seeds of Destruction

The song’s opening lines set the stage for what is to come:

Ooh, ooh, that smell

Can’t you smell that smell?

Ooh, ooh, that smell

The smell of death surrounds you

These lines suggest that the protagonist is acutely aware of a certain scent that permeates his surroundings. He recognizes it as the smell of death, which signifies the imminent destruction that is coming his way. The use of the word “surrounds” paints a picture of a person who is completely enveloped by this dangerous, oppressive environment.

As the verse continues, the lyrics reveal that the protagonist knows that he is responsible for his situation:

Angel of darkness upon you

Stuck a needle in your arm

So take another toke, have a blow for your nose

One more drink, fool, would drown you

In these lines, we see a grim picture of a person who is in the grip of addiction, using drugs and alcohol to numb the pain and escape from reality. But he knows deep down that this is just making things worse.

The use of the phrase “Angel of darkness” is particularly evocative, as it suggests the idea of a malevolent force that is leading the protagonist down a path of destruction.

Chorus: The Consequences of Bad Decisions

The chorus of “That Smell” is perhaps the most memorable part of the song, with its catchy melody and memorable lyrics:

Oh, oh that smell

Can’t you smell that smell?

Oh, oh that smell

The smell of death surrounds you

Now, the chorus takes on a new meaning, as it becomes clear that the protagonist is not the only one affected by his actions. The use of the second-person pronoun “you” suggests that the person he is addressing is someone close to him, someone who is also in danger of being consumed by addiction.

This is further reinforced in the next lines:

Now they call you Prince Charming

Can’t speak a word when you’re full of ‘ludes

Say you’ll be all right come tomorrow

But tomorrow might not be here for you

Here, we see the protagonist addressing the person he has been warning about. He refers to him as “Prince Charming,” which could be seen as a sarcastic nod to the fact that this person is far from charming in his current state.

The use of the word “‘ludes” is a reference to Quaaludes, a powerful sedative that was popular in the 1970s. The fact that the person addressed can’t speak suggests that he is already heavily under the influence of drugs.

The poignant final line drives home the sense of urgency in the song, emphasising that time is running out for the person being addressed.

Verse 2: The Downward Spiral Continues

The second verse of “That Smell” continues to explore the theme of addiction and its consequences:

So be careful what you say and do

‘Cause it’s a long, long way from here to Hollywood

And a long way to the grocery store

In these lines, the protagonist acknowledges that the lifestyle he has chosen is a far cry from the glamour and glitz of Hollywood. He also seems to be suggesting that the addiction he is struggling with has taken him so far away from reality that even a simple trip to the grocery store is a challenge.

The next lines, however, hint at something even darker:

And you ain’t got time to bleed

Woo, you got to watch your step

In this context, the phrase “ain’t got time to bleed” takes on a new meaning, suggesting that the protagonist is in such a desperate situation that even stopping to tend to a wound is a luxury he can ill afford.

The final line, “you got to watch your step,” serves as a warning to the person being addressed, urging him to be careful and avoid the same mistakes the protagonist has made.

Bridge: Seeking Salvation

The bridge of “That Smell” is a departure from the rest of the song, and its hopeful tone is a welcome relief:

We’ve been down this road so long

It’s like a Monday morning drive

Incorporating themes of redemption and hope, these lines suggest that it is possible to break free from addiction and start anew. The reference to a Monday morning drive suggests that the journey will not be easy, but it is one worth taking.

The rest of the bridge continues in this vein, urging the person being addressed to seek help:

Remember, son, before you go too far

You got to go home

In other words, the protagonist is telling the person being addressed that he needs to seek the help of his loved ones before it is too late.

Conclusion

“That Smell” is a timeless song that continues to resonate with audiences today. Its cautionary tale about addiction and the destructive nature of bad decisions is as relevant today as it was when it was first released.

The use of evocative language and imagery throughout the song creates a vivid sense of the protagonist’s struggle, while the hopeful tone of the bridge offers a glimmer of light in an otherwise bleak landscape.

Ultimately, “That Smell” is a reminder that we must be careful of the paths we choose to walk down in our lives, and that with effort and determination, it is possible to break the cycle of addiction and create a better future for ourselves.