Rock legends compose freedom anthem for DeSantis

The Van Zant brothers have led prosperous lives as music legends, and each has contributed to the world of rock music in his own right. 

Johnny Van Zant is the lead vocalist for Lynyrd Skynyrd, an iconic rock band of the 1970s that produced such hits as Sweet Home Alabama. 

Donnie Van Zant is the co-founder of the famed rock group .38 Special, and both brothers perform together as the group Van Zant. 

Now, the rockstar brothers have joined forces to compose a freedom anthem about Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. The Republican governor has publicly gone toe-to-toe with Joe Biden over many issues, most notably keeping the Sunshine State open during the pandemic. He has been the country’s most vocal challenger to the COVID-19 narrative, recently drawing fire for telling students to take their masks off and telling Dr. Anthony Fauci to “go to hell”

The mainstream media have made a point of vilifying DeSantis, even going so far as to falsify his remarks, while DeSantis has been known to make a public spectacle of humiliating mainstream journalists at press conferences. 

DeSantis has garnered many supporters, including the Van Zants. And in Sweet Florida, they praise his leadership while ridiculing Biden and Fauci.  

The song is a style blend of Southern rock and gospel with a strong patriotic theme and a touch of Sweet Home Alabama. 

The press don't like him but he sure does get my business 
He stands up for what he believes 
So don't come down here trying to change things 
We're doing alright in the Sunshine State 
Stay out of our business - leave our Gov alone 
 
Down in Sweet Florida 
Our Governor is Red White and Blue 
Down in Sweet Florida 
He's shootin' us straight – tellin' us the truth 
 
Yeah that's right! 
 
You can take it to the bank he don't care what Brandon thinks at the White House 
Yeah he's fighting for the right to keep our state free 
Well he's taking on the swamp and he's calling out Dr. Fauci 
He's the only one fightin' for you and me 
 
Yeah we're free! 
 
Down in Sweet Florida 
Our Governor is Red White and Blue 
Down in Sweet Florida 
He's shootin' us straight – tellin' us the truth 
 
Well we ain't been locked down – we still have our freedom 
We can still see our friends and family 
Our kids are in school and we can go to church on Sunday 
And it's all because DeSantis knows how to lead 
 
Yeah we're free! 
 
Down in Sweet Florida 
Our Governor – He's Red White and Blue 
Down in Sweet Florida 
He's shootin' us straight – tellin' us the truth 
 
Down in Sweet Sweet Sweet Florida 
Our Governor – He's Red White and Blue 
Down in Sweet Florida 
He's shootin' us straight – tellin' us the truth 
 
Yeah! 
 
Down in Sweet Florida 
Well he's kicking it up – standing up down in Florida 
He's a military man with the courage to withstand them all 
Yeah we're free in Florida 
Yeah we're free in Florida 
Our Governor – He's Red White and Blue 

“Thanks to Johnny & Donnie Van Zant,” DeSantis tweeted. “I have a feeling this might be the song of the summer...”