Album: Second Helping (1974)

License This Song 

Songfacts®:

• This was written and originally recorded by the Oklahoma guitarist J.J. Cale. The song is about a guy who can go where the weather takes him, unburdened by the weight of the world. It was a fitting statement for Cale, who went out of his way to keep things simple and stay out of the spotlight (his photo didn't appear on his first seven albums). The concept of savoring simplicity and going where the wind takes you is also a theme of many Skynyrd songs.
  
  "Call Me The Breeze" appeared on Cale's first solo album, a 1971 release called Naturally. He got his record deal after Eric Clapton recorded "After Midnight," a song Cale wrote and recorded with his band the Leathercoated Minds in 1966. Naturally did well, placing three songs in the Hot 100 and garnering Cale offers from bigger labels (he was signed to Shelter Records). Cale kept it low-key, however, and worked at his own pace.
  
  When Lynyrd Skynyrd covered this song, it once again financed Cale's lifestyle, allowing him to release albums in a leisurely fashion and without concern for hit potential. Clapton remained a key supporter of Cale, later recording his songs "Cocaine" and "Travellin' Light." Cale died in 2013 at age 74.
• The original J.J. Cale version of this song is stripped-down, with the vocals far lower in the mix. Skynyrd decided to cover the song when guitarist Gary Rossington came up with a riff that distinguished it from the original.
• This was one of the few cover songs Skynyrd recorded, and the only one on the album a band member didn't write. They recorded another J.J. Cale song, "Same Old Blues," on their 1976 album Gimme Back My Bullets, and had plans to work with Cale that were derailed by the 1977 plane crash that killed three members of the band.
• Despite being one of the most popular Lynyrd Skynyrd songs, this was not released as a single. Albums were a much bigger deal in 1974, so just two singles were issued from Second Helping: "Don't Ask Me No Questions" and "Sweet Home Alabama."
  
  Since it never got overplayed when the album was out, "Call Me The Breeze" found a spot on most classic rock playlists for many years.

Comments: 17

• GtoddmcdaddySkynyrd also recorded the song ”Call me the Breeze” live from the Fox theatre in Atlanta, Ga., wish is why Ronnie sings the lyrics “I dig you Georgia peaches, you make me feel right at home, but I can’t love me no one woman, so I can’t stay in Georgia long”. That album was “One more from the road”(double live albums)! J.J. Cale was a brilliant songwriter, and Eric Clapton performed many of his songs brilliantly! (Cocaine,Tulsa Time, etc.)
• AnonymousLynyrd Skynyrd’s use of horns (especially Bobby Keys!) elevates this song to one of their best of theirs and also one of the best ever rock and roll songs! Turn it up!!!
• Bill Soko from Australiathe song is about CANCER .. I got this green light baby, i'm clear for another year !
  how could that be missed? too much
• AnonymousWhat do they mean dig your Georgia peaches?
• Tony Martinez from Oceanside, California Who played the trumpet in Skynyrd's "Call Me The Breeze"?
• James from Bellmawr NjSkynyrd put some southern boogie in Call Me The Breeze. Gary's solo is awesome.
• Robert from North GeorgiaI remember the initial mix of this being much heavier on the fantastic rythym guitar work... especially during the lead break.
• Jerry Neil Hunt from KansasThe great Bobby Keys on Sax.
• Gary from Budd Lake, NjCale is a blues legend in his own right and most blues fans are aware of his extensive catalog. That said the cover version by Skynyrd has the abosolute catchiest horn riff in the the break that I think it's one the best any band has laid down in a recording. My friend believes it's actually the Muscle Shoals Swampers sitting in on this session. Can someone confirm?
• Daevid from Glendale, CaA good 'ole toe-tapper. Great song!
• Allan from Maple Valley, WaJ.J. cales version can be seen on the crossroads guitar festival dvd. It is definately different from the skynard version, but I like it all the same.
• Peter Griffin from Quahog, RiCale's version is much softer than this version.
• Max from Laconia, NhThis song was in the movie "Wild Hogs". Great movie and great song.
• Evan from Winchester, EnglandIt's a great cover. Usually covers just annoy me.
• Stefanie from Rock Hill, ScI love the guitar and piano solos. I'd like to hear Kayle's version.
• Chet Walters, Ink Specialist from Bethlehem, PaThe guitar and piano solos in this song are absolutely kick-ass!
• Mike from Richmond, VaCale doesn't get enough credit for any of his work.

More Songfacts:

Island GirlElton John

Elton John's #1 hit "Island Girl" is about a prostitute.

This LoveMaroon 5

Adam Levine of Maroon 5 made it obvious who their song "This Love" was about when he named the album "Songs About Jane."

I Can't Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch)The Four Tops

The Four Tops' "I Can't Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch)" was written by the Motown team of Lamont Dozier, Brian Holland and Eddie Holland. The phrase "Sugar pie, honey bunch" was something Dozier's grandfather used to say when he was a kid.

Little TalksOf Monsters and Men

"Little Talks," released in 2011 during the folk-rock boom, was the big hit for the Icelandic group Of Monsters And Men. The song is delivered as a conversation between a longtime married couple, but the woman might be going crazy and talking to a ghost.

Bust A MoveYoung MC

Young MC shows up in the George Clooney movie Up In The Air performing his hit "Bust A Move."

Me And Bobby McGeeJanis Joplin

"Me And Bobby McGee" was written by Kris Kristofferson and first recorded by Roger Miller. Janis Joplin's famous version turned Bobby into a boy.

Editor's Picks

Mike CampbellSongwriter Interviews

Mike is lead guitarist with Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers, and co-writer of classic songs like "Boys Of Summer," "Refugee" and "The Heart Of The Matter."

Spot The Real Red Hot Chili Peppers Song TitlesMusic Quiz

The Red Hot Chili Peppers have some rather unusual song titles - see if you can spot the real ones.

Randy HouserSongwriter Interviews

The "How Country Feels" singer talks Skynyrd and songwriting.

Chris Squire of YesSongwriter Interviews

One of the most dynamic bass player/songwriters of his time, Chris is the only member of Yes who has been with the band since they formed in 1968.

SugarlandSongwriter Interviews

Meet the "sassy basket" with the biggest voice in country music.

Let Me Be Your Teddy Bear: Teddy Bears and Teddy Boys in SongsSong Writing

Elvis, Little Richard and Cheryl Cole have all sung about Teddy Bears, but there is also a terrifying Teddy song from 1932 and a touching trucker Teddy tune from 1976.