Mr. Banker

Album: Legend (1987)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This is about begging the bank to borrow money to bury a deceased father. It is not about Ronnie's father, Lacy Van Zant, who is often referred to as the "Father of Southern Rock."
  • Skynyrd recorded this at their original Muscle Shoals sessions in 1972, but the song went unreleased until it was released on Legend 14 years later. When Pronounced Leh-nerd skin-nerd was re-released, this song was added to the album. >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Aaron - Twin Cities, MN, for above 2

Comments: 4

  • Brett B from Center MassRonnie had an unhealthy distrust of everyone when it came to money. When drinking heavily, he often accuse even bandmates of stealing from him. Then again, with Ed buying up snacks to sell them for 5 or 10 times the price to bandmates on the road, it's hard to say who was taking whom.
  • Sanitarium from Sharon, KsSteve, I believe you are referring to Cry For the Badman. Anyway, this is one of my favorites, along with the Blues medley from Thyrty
  • Steve from Alexandria, VaAccording to an interview with Ronnie Van Zant, the lyrics to this song were based on a situation which occurred after Lynyrd Skynyrd's first album where they got taken advantage of in a business deal by someone Van Zant described as a greedy "meiser". Van Zant declined to say who it was for legal reasons.
  • Oldpink from New Castle, InGreat lyrics truly in the tradition of the old time bluesmen.
    Then, Ed King treats you to an absolutely scorching piece of bottleneck slide work that will make the hairs stand up on your neck.
    And, oh yeah, Ronny's vocals are just vicious.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Tom Johnston from The Doobie Brothers

Tom Johnston from The Doobie BrothersSongwriter Interviews

The Doobies guitarist and lead singer, Tom wrote the classics "Listen To The Music," "Long Train Runnin'" and "China Grove."

Rickie Lee Jones

Rickie Lee JonesSongwriter Interviews

Rickie Lee Jones on songwriting, social media, and how she's handling Trump.

Jon Anderson of Yes

Jon Anderson of YesSongwriter Interviews

From the lake in "Roundabout" to Sister Bluebird in "Starship Trooper," Jon Anderson talks about how nature and spirituality play into his lyrics for Yes.

Lori McKenna

Lori McKennaSongwriter Interviews

Lori's songs have been recorded by Faith Hill and Sara Evans. She's performed on the CMAs and on Oprah. She also has five kids.

Chris Frantz - "Genius of Love"

Chris Frantz - "Genius of Love"They're Playing My Song

Chris and his wife Tina were the rhythm section for Talking Heads when they formed The Tom Tom Club. "Genius of Love" was their blockbuster, but David Byrne only mentioned it once.

Richard Butler of The Psychedelic Furs

Richard Butler of The Psychedelic FursSongwriter Interviews

Psychedelic Furs lead singer Richard Butler talks about their first album since 1991 and explains what's really going on in "Pretty In Pink."