Song in the Budweiser 2026 Super Bowl

For decades, Budweiser has held the title of the Super Bowl's emotional heavyweight. Year after year, their ads—often featuring the majestic Clydesdale horses—have a unique ability to make millions of viewers reach for a tissue during the biggest game of the year. It's a tradition as reliable as the game itself. In 2026, for Super Bowl LX, they aimed to do it again, but on an even grander scale, marking a milestone that few brands ever reach.

To celebrate the brand's 150th anniversary, Budweiser released a stunning commercial titled "American Icons." The ad tells a heartwarming, cinematic story of an unlikely friendship between a powerful Clydesdale and a majestic bald eagle, set against the breathtaking backdrop of the American heartland. It's a visual masterpiece, a tapestry of golden light, flowing manes, and powerful wings. But as with any great ad, the music elevates it from beautiful to unforgettable. It transforms a series of stunning images into a story that resonates deep in your chest.

If you've been searching for the song that made "American Icons" so powerful, you've come to the right place. The track is none other than the legendary rock anthem "Free Bird" by Lynyrd Skynyrd.

The Song: A Legendary Anthem for a Landmark Moment

"Free Bird" is more than just a song; it's a cultural touchstone, a rite of passage for rock fans, and a staple of everything from classic rock radio to movie soundtracks. Released in 1973 on the band's debut album, (Pronounced 'Lĕh-'nérd 'Skin-'nérd), it has since become one of the most iconic and enduring tracks in music history. Its journey from a simple piano melody to a sprawling, nine-minute epic mirrors the very themes of growth and freedom depicted in the Budweiser ad.

Written primarily by guitarist Allen Collins and the band's legendary frontman Ronnie Van Zant, the song is famously dedicated to the late Duane Allman of The Allman Brothers Band, a fellow giant of Southern rock who profoundly influenced the genre. The song's creation was almost accidental; it began as a slow ballad Collins had written, and the band gradually shaped it into the masterpiece we know today.

The track is defined by its revolutionary two-part structure, which the Budweiser creative team brilliantly leverages for maximum emotional impact:

The Slow, Acoustic Ballad: The song begins as a gentle, reflective piano and guitar-driven ballad. It's a tender, almost melancholy ode to freedom, the open road, and the restless spirit. The lyrics, "If I leave here tomorrow, would you still remember me?" are a poignant meditation on legacy and memory—themes that are incredibly potent for a 150th-anniversary celebration.
The Explosive Guitar Solo: This gentle beginning slowly builds in intensity, adding layers of instrumentation and tension, before erupting into one of the most famous guitar solos in music history. For several minutes, the song transforms into a high-octane, blues-rock masterpiece, showcasing the legendary dual-guitar attack of Allen Collins and Gary Rossington that defined Lynyrd Skynyrd's sound. It's a cathartic release of pure, unadulterated energy.

You can listen to the original studio version of the song here:

Lynyrd Skynyrd - "Free Bird" (Official Audio):

Watch YouTube video

How "Free Bird" Powers the Story of "American Icons"

In the Budweiser "American Icons" commercial, the song isn't just background music; it's the narrative engine, the invisible hand guiding the viewer's emotions. The ad's structure is not just inspired by, but perfectly synchronized with, the song's iconic two-part journey.

The commercial opens with serene, golden-hour shots of the sprawling American landscape—wide prairies, misty mountains, and quiet rivers. We are introduced to a young Clydesdale foal, all gangly legs and curiosity, and a bald eagle chick, nestled in its nest high above the world. They are seemingly worlds apart, yet connected by the vast, beautiful land they both call home. As the scenes transition through the seasons, showing them grow and explore their separate worlds, the gentle, acoustic opening of "Free Bird" plays softly. The lyrics—a meditation on memory and leaving—poignantly underscore the visual story of their developing, though separate, lives, hinting at a connection yet to be fully realized.

The emotional climax of the 60-second spot arrives with breathtaking precision. The now-mature eagle, its white head gleaming, perches on a cliff's edge, surveying the land. It takes a breath, and then, for the first time, it leaps and takes flight. At this exact, heart-stopping moment, the song transforms. The gentle ballad drops away completely, and the legendary, soaring guitar solo of "Free Bird" kicks in with full, triumphant force. As the eagle's wings catch the wind and it soars over the plains, eventually flying alongside a herd of galloping Clydesdales, the music becomes a triumphant anthem of freedom, power, and the unbreakable, symbolic bond between these two American icons. The synergy is perfect: the eagle's flight and the guitar solo become one and the same—a shared, transcendent moment of release.

Why This Song Works for Budweiser's 150th Anniversary

Choosing "Free Bird" for a 150th anniversary campaign was a masterstroke of music supervision. It’s a decision that works on multiple, layered levels, demonstrating a deep understanding of both the brand's identity and the cultural power of music.

A Celebration of Americana: Budweiser has long and successfully positioned itself as "The King of Beers," a brand synonymous with American tradition, hard work, and coming together. Lynyrd Skynyrd is the definitive band of Southern rock, a genre deeply rooted in American culture, storytelling, and a sense of place. "Free Bird" is an anthem that has been passed down through generations, from parents to children, creating a shared cultural memory. Pairing the brand with this song is a powerful, authentic way to celebrate its long history and deep American roots.

The Perfect Emotional Arc: The song's unique structure perfectly mirrors the ad's narrative and the brand's own story. The gentle, building beginning represents the slow, steady growth of friendship, the passage of time, and the building of a legacy—the 150-year journey of the brand itself, from a small brewery to a national icon. The explosive guitar solo represents the triumphant, powerful, and free spirit of America and the brand's vision for the future. It's the sound of breaking free and soaring to new heights.

Universal Recognition and Nostalgia: Even for those who aren't die-hard rock fans, "Free Bird" is instantly recognizable. It evokes a powerful sense of nostalgia, freedom, and even a little bit of rebellion. For a milestone anniversary, Budweiser wanted to create a moment of shared, collective emotion, and few songs can unite a diverse Super Bowl audience of over 100 million people like this one can. It’s a musical shortcut to a feeling.

The Legacy of "Free Bird" and the Clydesdales

Budweiser's "American Icons" commercial is a perfect example of how a legendary song can breathe new life into a beloved brand story. It's a masterclass in synergy. By pairing the majestic, time-honored imagery of Clydesdales and a bald eagle with the raw, emotional power of Lynyrd Skynyrd's "Free Bird," they created an ad that is both a heartfelt tribute to the past and a hopeful, soaring look toward the future. It reminds us why we look forward to these commercials every year.

For those who want to experience the full, unbridled power of the song that inspired the ad, listening to a historic live version is an absolute must. It captures the raw energy, the extended improvisation, and the sheer virtuosity that have made "Free Bird" a staple of rock radio and concert halls for over five decades.

Experience the legendary guitar solo live:

Lynyrd Skynyrd - "Free Bird" (Historic Live Performance):

Watch YouTube video

Conclusion: The Sound of Freedom and Friendship

The partnership between Budweiser and Lynyrd Skynyrd for the "American Icons" commercial is a testament to the enduring power of music in storytelling. By using "Free Bird," they didn't just add a memorable soundtrack to a beautiful advertisement; they tapped into decades of cultural meaning, collective memory, and raw emotion, creating a moment that felt both timeless and perfectly of its moment.

So, the next time you watch a Clydesdale gallop across the screen and an eagle take flight against an American sunset, you'll know exactly who to thank for the perfect soundtrack. And you'll understand why, after 150 years, Budweiser can still make the Super Bowl feel truly magical.

Would you like to explore the music behind other famous Super Bowl commercials or learn more about the history of the Budweiser Clydesdales?

Song in the Budweiser 2026 Super Bowl commercial

The Song: A Legendary Anthem for a Landmark Moment

How "Free Bird" Powers the Story of "American Icons"

Why This Song Works for Budweiser's 150th Anniversary

The Legacy of "Free Bird" and the Clydesdales

Conclusion: The Sound of Freedom and Friendship