The song is a moving tribute to Van Zant's life and music, and it highlights the impact that Lynyrd Skynyrd had on the Southern rock scene. Daniels also acknowledges the band's unique blend of country, rock, and blues, and he expresses his admiration for Van Zant's passionate and rebellious spirit.
While "Longhaired Redneck" isn't the only tribute song Daniels wrote for Van Zant, it's perhaps the most well-known and widely recognized.