Lyrics of and My Thoughts on "Berneice"

(comments in italics)

This song completely renewed my faith in the new incarnation of Lynyrd Skynyrd.  Johnny and the boys can still write great, catchy songs and are even brave enough to throw in some horn parts.  I believe the guitar named Berneice in this song is perhaps a reference to Gary Rossington's mother, who died a few years ago.  The song opens with blaring horns and guitar, then Johnny wailing the first verse:

I can still remember I was eight years old,
The first time I that picked her up little did I know.
She's taken me places that I've never been
Did my first gig in a rock and roll band.
Berneice, sweet Berneice.

Get a real job, let the guitar go.
There ain't no future in this rock and roll.
So go for your guitars, go for your guns.
Better think twice, it's three against one.   Probably a reference to Skynyrd's 3 guitar attack.
Take your best shot, it's a showdown now
Berneice, sweet Berneice.
Berneice, won't you play for me?

Guitar solo, keyboard solo, then third verse:

A guitar woman needs a guitar man,
One without the other neither one of them can stand.
Remember where we came from, we can do it all again
So thanks to all you people, give yourselves a hand
Berneice, sweet Berneice
Berneice, won't you play for me?

Johnny repeats these last two lines, followed by an addicting horn and guitar fill, and the song fades.