Don't Ask Me No Questions

Album: Second Helping (1974)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This was a message to the people who wanted a piece of the band when they became famous. They were largely ignored for about 6 years while they were struggling, but when their first album was a hit in 1973, they faced huge demands on their time.
  • The world of agents, managers, and record companies was a strange one for Lynyrd Skynyrd. They were just working-class guys who liked making music.
  • Lead singer Ronnie Van Zant and guitarist Gary Rossington wrote this one day while they were fishing. Gary played his guitar while Ronnie came up with the lyrics about how they wanted to be left alone.
  • This was released as a single before the album came out. It didn't chart, but their next one, "Sweet Home Alabama," was a huge hit.

Comments: 14

  • Vincent from GermanyI can totally relate to this song especially in todays time where everything is trying to grab your attention and bug you.
    Lots of love from germany.
  • Richard E. Schwartz from White Plains, N.y.Fantastic, each one of them!!
  • Wildman from Clearwater ,fl.Just a country boy myself. These guys were not only talented musically they also had good enough communication skills to have startedthe band &made music. My 3 man or boy band cut school & drank their parents liquor. We were too drunk to amount to any talent. That was 40 years ago. I dont drink anymore. But i still rock nroll my gibson guitars!!!
  • John from Beltsville, MdListen close at the end of the first verse. There is no chorus there but someone starts singing one: "so don't a...", then stops when they realize their mistake. Pretty funny.
  • Rob from Maspeth, NyWHAT RONNIE WAS SAYING IS LEAVE ME ALONE, WHEN I`M HOME HANGING OUT WITH MY FRIENDS I DON`T WANT TO TALK ABOUT THE BUSINESS, I JUST WANT TO TO HANG OUT WITH MY FRIENDS.
  • Renee from Bloomington, MnI'm also with you Evan. I like this song for the message of I don't ask you about your business, don't ask me about mine. A similar song I enjoy for this message is Rumors by the Tmex Social Club. I quote that one a lot to people who insist on spreading rumors and inaccuracies about others.
  • Evan from Winchester, EnglandI couldn't agree more. People need to mind their own business.
  • Jenna Madsen from Eureka!, Caits absolutely amazing! great song, makes you just want to get up, dance, and have a big ole glass of whiskey!
  • Bryan from Valhermoso Springs, AlJeanette, I know just how you feel about them all being favs. Another one of mine that is not on this site is I Know A Little, or as my car tag and email say INOALTL.
  • Jeanette from Mcgrady, NcThis is one of my favorite Skynyrd tunes. Come to think of it, they're all my favorites.
  • Chris from Milford, Ctthey talk about the allman brothers in the last verse of the song "whats your favorite color and do ya dig the brothers?"
  • Jim from Gainesville, TxThis song was covered by country artist Chris Cagle on the soundtrack for The Blue Collar Comedy Tour movie.
  • Ilikemusic. from This Isn't A City, Mdwho is the artist that performs the cover?
  • Jon from Sunnyvale, CaI don't know the name the singer, but a cover version of this song is played during the end credits of the Blue Collar Comedy Tour movie.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

The Police

The PoliceFact or Fiction

Do their first three albums have French titles? Is "De Do Do Do, De Da Da Da" really meaningless? See if you can tell in this Fact or Fiction.

Guy Clark

Guy ClarkSongwriter Interviews

Vince Gill, Emmylou Harris and Lyle Lovett are just a few of the artists who have looked to Clark for insightful, intelligent songs.

Jack Blades of Night Ranger and Damn Yankees

Jack Blades of Night Ranger and Damn YankeesSongwriter Interviews

Revisit the awesome glory of Night Ranger and Damn Yankees: cheesily-acted videos, catchy guitar licks, long hair, and lyrics that are just plain relatable.

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.

Zac Hanson

Zac HansonSongwriter Interviews

Zac tells the story of Hanson's massive hit "MMMbop," and talks about how brotherly bonds effect their music.

Name the Character in the Song

Name the Character in the SongMusic Quiz

With a few clues (Works at a diner, dreams of running away), can you name the character in the song?