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"Southern Man" pointed out the racism and hypocrisy in the South's (and specifically Alabama's) historical treatment of black people. With this song (1970) and "Alabama" (1972), Neil Young upset many southerners, most notably the band "Lynard Skynard", who ened up writing the hit song "Sweet Home Alabama" as a response to Neil's criticism. In their song they wrote:

Well I heard Mr. Young sing about her
Well I heard ol' Neil put her down
I hope Neil Young will remember
A Southern Man don't need him around anyhow

Neil Young
Southern Man

Southern man
better keep your head
Don't forget
what your good book said
Southern change
gonna come at last
Now your crosses
are burning fast
Southern man

I saw cotton
and I saw black
Tall white mansions
and little shacks.
Southern man
when will you
pay them back?
I heard screamin'
and bullwhips cracking
How long? How long?

Southern man
better keep your head
Don't forget
what your good book said
Southern change
gonna come at last
Now your crosses
are burning fast
Southern man

Lily Belle,
your hair is golden brown
I've seen your black man
comin' round
Swear by God
I'm gonna cut him down!
I heard screamin'
and bullwhips cracking
How long? How long?