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Outlaws founding member Henry Paul says this song is not about marijuana, but about rock and roll illuminaries, and the title, he says, was taken from the 1966 "Best Of" collection by the Rolling Stones called High Tides and Green Grass. Says Paul, "From what I gather, there was an album out, the best of the Rolling Stones, called 'High Tides and Green Grass.' That was the name of the Rolling Stones' greatest hits - this is like 1966 - and I think it was a manifestation of that title turned in reverse, 'Green Grass and High Tides.' I know that much. And I know that it was a song written for rock and roll illuminaries, from Janis Joplin to Jimi Hendrix, and it had nothing to do with marijuana. But it had to do with, I think, a specific person's lyrical look at rock and roll legends. 'As kings and queens bow and play for you.' It's about Jimi Hendrix and Janis Joplin. 'Castles of stone, soul and glory.' A lot of it is just sort of a collage of words that really don't have all that much to do with anything, they just fit and sounded right. But I have to say it's one of my favorite lyrics. My songwriting is more Steinbeck, really rooted in accuracy and reality; this is definitely Alice In Wonderland. It's the whole 'White Rabbit.' It's sort of like one of those magic lyrical moments that will forever be mysteriously unclearly conceived." (Thanks to Henry Paul for speaking with us about this song. Learn more at www.blackhawkmusic.us)

In most of the Outlaws albums' liner notes, Hughie Thomasson signed off with the line "green grass and high tides forever." (thanks, James - Tracy, CA)

The song is the final encore of Solo Tour in the video game Rock Band. Because the game only has four tracks (guitar, bass guitar, drums, and vocals), the song's three guitar parts are combined into one track. (thanks, James - Tracy, CA)

Comments:

long story short.I grew up in Clearwater, Fl i worked at a jewish delli with a man named JB (Jimmy Brittan)He was an early song writer for the outlaws and did take claim to this song. he was a very good friend and didn't get the credit for the song for what ever reason. JB past away several years back from too many beers as did his very close friend Frank O"Keef who's family had a great bar in town called (O'Keefs) a good friend of ours still runs the bar today, his name is Mike L. They have a great Irish burger.
- MICK, CLEARWATER, FL

one of the best song ever written, by far, seldom hear on 106.1
- niles, Belpre, OH

man, i've grown up on southern rock n roll and lived on skynyrd (met them too) but until i heard this song, i didnt know wut southern rock was!! this song is absolutely amazing!!
- Daniel, Jacksonville, FL

If you like this song on the debut album, you owe it to yourself to listen to the live version on their "Bring it Back Alive" album. Even more energy and dual drummers to back it up. The live version of "Stick Around for Rock & Roll" absolutely jams as well.
- Glenn McKeon, Central Ohio, OH

The guitar just blazes on this one, starting out pretty quick at first, then steadily and inexorably gaining speed, until it is just going at breakneck speed. Fabulous song.
- oldpink, New Castle, IN

This was my husband's favourite song. I imagine that the lyrics ran through his head as he prepared his final moments. He took his own life in July '08, seeking the peace his twisted mind couldn't find.
- Perriann, Ft. Lauderdale, FL

This song has a personal meaning to me (like if I wrote it, it would mean this): i think it is about this person's life being bad or sad and it is saying there is a place to go where "your soul is always free" (I guess refering to heaven). Then he says that he'll let you see this place if you let him see who you really are inside. Then he says, the ones who don't believe will just set themselves free (maybe saying taking their own life), but, those who do believe it is love and time that will be your key and yo will eventually come to this place. Now, that is MY meaning for me and anyone else who feels what I'm saying. But between this and Free Bird best songs to pick someone's day up and to rock out to.
- Eric, Aston, PA

Has to be one of the greatest solos of all time the guitar in the song is mind blowing. Southern rock at its best for sure.
- luke, Detroit, MI

What a great song. It's a shame that the guitar solo in this song isn't considered one of the top ten, if not best guitar solo of all time
- Chris, Louisville, KY

I used to think that "Freebird" was the pinnacle of southern rock. This song proved me wrong.
- Tim, Santa Maria, CA

In my humble opinion, the single greatest guitar/rock tune ever. An absolutely stunning piece of work.
- Mark, Springfield, MA

I went to a Lynyrd Skynyrd / Outlaws concert in 1976 in San Francisco. The best part of the concert was while the Outlaws were playing Green Grass and High Tides two guitarists from Skynyrd came out on stage and played with them. The four guitars swaying and playing in unison was something I will always remember. I'm wondering if someone out there recorded it that night.
- Rick, LIvermore, CA

Guitar is great in this song. Gotta love it.
- Rick, Salisbury, NC

I went to a Lynyrd Skynyrd concert in Austin Texas in 1976. The Outlaws opened up for them. The Outlaws closed with "Green Grass and High Tides Forever"!! I stood speechless. Even while Lynyrd Skynyrd was playing, I wanted to hear this song again. I drove "back" to Austin from my home an hour away the next day,just to buy the Outlaws album. It has been my "anthem" ever since. WoW!!! What a frickin song.....
- Wade, Rockdale, TX

Green grass and High Tides is a classic Hughie Thomasson and Billy Jones played their guitar hearts out on this one - rates up there with Layla,Freebird, and the Fillmore East Live by Allman Bros - The first two Outlaw albums are great masterpieces- Download the song Breaker- Breaker- harmonies are better than the Eagles. flv
- francis l. vena, new york city,, NY

Holy Cow!!! This song is AMAZING!!!! PLay it aevery day on Rockband while i listen to the CD! i mess up on the Second guitar Solo on expert so it seems like i hit every note.
- chauncey, omha, NE

This may well be the greatest gituar song ever written. The rest of the album is fantastic, in particular Knoxville Girl, but there isnt a dud among the rest. This is a must-have album for any rock library.
- Don, Franklin, MA

Paul, that's good to know. A lot of rock stations won't play a song that is that long.
- Scott, Loveland, United States

They've been playing this song fairly often on 92.5 FM The Fox, the Clear Channel-owned classic rock radio station in Cincinnati.
- Paul, Cincinnati, OH

I first heard this song right after I got out of the Navy in November of 1977. Lynyrd Skynyrd had just recently gone through their tragedy and I was introduced to this song in early 1978. From the very first time I heard it, I knew it was going to be my favorite song of all time. In fact, it is to be played at my funeral. Nothing else, just that song. It has a very strong meaning to me as I lost a very good friend right before I heard it. He, my brother, and I all bought Harleys at the same time and it became our "song". It is a wonderful song to listen to while riding. Especially out on the open road. I still ride! Thank you members of The Outlaws for putting your energy into the making of this song. There is none better!
- Scott, Loveland, United States

I Remember this song from my days in summer camp, a bunch of hyped-up preteens sitting by the campfire, buzzed out on warm Coke and toasted weenies, singing (offkey) to this gem from the counslers 8-track.
- TeeJay, Bronx, NY

An incredible song. More than 10 minutes of mind-blowing guitar work that deserves more than it's fair share of recognition. This one definitely goes to eleven.
- Kyle, Huntington, NY