Everybody Use Your Goddamn Turn Signal

The Zoo Crew is cranking up the vibes at THE ZOO radio station, spinning the infectious track Everybody Use Your Goddamn Turn Signal by Paul Gilbert from his 2016 album I Can Destroy for all the Zoo Freaks out there. This song is a standout, blending Gilbert’s signature guitar virtuosity with a humorous, relatable rant about a universal pet peeve: drivers who don’t use their turn signals. In an interview with Guitar World, Gilbert shared that the song was inspired by his 20 years of navigating Los Angeles traffic, where the lack of turn signal use drove him to channel his frustration into what he calls “cantankerous rock.” He noted the song’s swinging riff, the lush three-part harmonies on the word “goddamn,” and a guitar technique where he mimics a turn signal’s click by picking muted high strings. The music video, directed by Jonathan Pharr with illustrations by Will Krulee, brings the song’s cheeky energy to life with animated flair.

Gilbert has described the song as more than just a vent session, suggesting to Ultimate Classic Rock that it could “save some lives” or at least “untangle some traffic jams.” The track’s live performances, like one recorded in Manchester, UK, in 2016, showcase its high-energy delivery, with Gilbert trading solos with bandmates Freddie Nelson and Tony Spinner. On social media, Gilbert has embraced the song’s cantankerous spirit, posting about it on X in 2016 to promote the video premiere. He’s even linked it to his broader tradition of “melodious rants,” citing songs like Get Out of My Yard and Atmosphere on the Moon in a 2019 The Rockpit interview. The song’s blend of humor, technical prowess, and social commentary makes it a fan favorite, often sparking chuckles and head-nods among listeners who’ve been stuck behind a signal-less driver.

Paul Gilbert began his musical journey in the mid-1960s, born in Illinois and raised in Greensburg, Pennsylvania. By age five, he was already strumming a guitar, and as a teenager, he honed his skills in Pittsburgh’s vibrant music scene. His big break came at 18 when he moved to Los Angeles to attend the Guitar Institute of Technology (GIT), where his prodigious talent led to a teaching role shortly after. It was during this time that Gilbert co-founded the speed-metal band Racer X, dazzling listeners with his blistering technique and earning a reputation as a shred pioneer. In 1989, he joined Mr. Big, achieving mainstream success with hits like To Be With You, which topped charts worldwide. After leaving Mr. Big in 1996, Gilbert embarked on a prolific solo career, releasing 18 albums, including I Can Destroy, and exploring genres from rock and metal to blues, jazz, and pop.

Gilbert’s versatility and humor shine through in his solo work, and his influence extends beyond music through his Great Guitar Escape camps, where he mentors aspiring guitarists. Fans can connect with him on his Facebook page, where he shares tour updates and gear insights, or on Instagram, where he posts clips of his jaw-dropping playing and quirky musings. His X account offers a mix of music news and witty commentary, like his 2016 post about the Everybody Use Your Goddamn Turn Signal video. Devoted fans also gather at sites like Guitars101, a forum sharing live recordings, and the Paul Gilbert Fan Club on Facebook, where enthusiasts swap stories and celebrate his discography. Whether you’re a Zoo Freak or a lifelong fan, Gilbert’s music and personality keep the good vibes rolling.