Don’t Believe a Word

The Zoo Crew is spinning the classic track "Don’t Believe a Word" by Thin Lizzy from their 1976 album Johnny The Fox, and Zoo Freaks, this one’s got some wild stories behind it. The song, a punchy UK Top 20 hit, was born out of a tense moment between frontman Phil Lynott and guitarist Brian Robertson. Lynott originally wrote it as a slow 12-bar blues, but Robertson called it “shite,” sparking a clash that led Lynott to vanish for days. Feeling he might’ve been too harsh, Robertson teamed up with drummer Brian Downey to rework it, crafting the fast, iconic shuffle rhythm and riff we know today. Lynott loved the result, but Robertson was miffed when the song’s credits listed only Lynott, despite their contributions. That original bluesy version later surfaced in 1978 on Gary Moore’s Back on the Streets and on Thin Lizzy’s 1983 live album Life, showing the song’s versatility.

Another tidbit for the Zoo Freaks: the song’s creation reflects the band’s chaotic energy during the Johnny The Fox sessions. Lynott was recovering from hepatitis, which had derailed a US tour, and he wrote much of the album, including this track, while hospitalized with just an acoustic guitar. Recorded in Munich to dodge UK taxes, the album was a rush job, with producer John Alcock noting Lynott needed more time to polish the songs. Despite the haste, “Don’t Believe a Word” became a fan favorite, praised for its catchy riff and Lynott’s sly, heartfelt vocals. Posts on X highlight its enduring love, like a 2023 clip from @ThinLizzy_ sharing a Midnight Special performance, and a 2024 post from @doomedparade raving about a 1979 Old Grey Whistle Test rendition with Gary Moore shredding on a five-string guitar.

Thin Lizzy’s journey kicked off in Dublin in 1969, sparked by a chance meeting between Phil Lynott and drummer Brian Downey in a local band scene. Lynott, a charismatic bassist and singer with a knack for poetic lyrics, took the frontman role, and the duo formed the band with guitarist Eric Bell. Their early years were scrappy, gigging hard and releasing three cult albums with Decca, including a hit cover of “Whiskey in the Jar.” The classic lineup solidified in 1974 when guitarists Scott Gorham and Brian Robertson joined, bringing the dual-guitar sound that defined their hard rock edge. Albums like Nightlife and Fighting built momentum, but 1976’s Jailbreak and Johnny The Fox catapulted them to global fame, with Lynott’s storytelling and the band’s raw energy winning over fans.

Zoo Freaks can dive deeper into Thin Lizzy’s world through their official website and social media: Facebook, Instagram, and X. Fans also keep the flame alive on dedicated spaces like the Johnny The Fox - Thin Lizzy aficionados Facebook group, with over 1,100 members sharing love for the band’s legacy. While Lynott’s passing in 1986 marked the end of an era, these platforms and fan communities ensure Thin Lizzy’s music, especially tracks +tracks like “Don’t Believe a Word,” keep rocking the airwaves at THE ZOO.