She Loves My Automobile

The Zoo Crew is spinning the infectious ZZ Top track "She Loves My Automobile" from their 1979 album Degüello, a song that’s got the Zoo Freaks revving their engines. This blues-rock gem, with its cheeky lyrics about a woman more enamored with a car than the man behind the wheel, captures the band’s signature humor and innuendo-laden style. One juicy piece of trivia comes from the recording process: the track was laid down after a two-year hiatus, during which Billy Gibbons soaked up punk influences in Europe. That raw energy seeps into the song’s gritty guitar riffs, giving it a punchy, road-ready vibe. In a 1980 interview with Guitar Player, Gibbons shared that the song’s groove was inspired by classic Chuck Berry licks, tweaked with a Texas-sized dose of swagger. He quipped, “It’s about lovin’ the ride, not the rider—ain’t that the truth for some?”

On the social media front, ZZ Top’s Facebook page recently posted a throwback photo of the band cruising in a cherry-red hot rod, captioned, “She don’t love me, she loves my automobile—sound familiar?” Fans flooded the comments with stories of blasting the song on road trips, with one Zoo Freak claiming it’s their go-to tune for “cruisin’ with the top down.” Over on Instagram, the band shared a clip of a live performance from the Degüello tour, where Dusty Hill’s thumping bassline had the crowd roaring. Meanwhile, X posts from fans often tag the song as a quintessential ZZ Top anthem, with one user tweeting, “Nothing says freedom like ‘She Loves My Automobile’ on a desert highway.” The song’s enduring appeal lies in its playful nod to car culture, a theme that resonates with gearheads and free spirits alike.

ZZ Top got their start in Houston, Texas, in 1969, when guitarist Billy Gibbons, fresh from the breakup of his psychedelic outfit Moving Sidewalks, teamed up with drummer Frank Beard and bassist Dusty Hill. The trio clicked instantly, blending Gibbons’ bluesy guitar wizardry with a tight rhythm section that Beard and Hill locked down like a V8 engine. Their early days were spent grinding it out in smoky Texas bars, where they honed a raw, rootsy sound rooted in blues and boogie. Gibbons’ knack for sly lyrics and larger-than-life stage presence set them apart, and by the early ’70s, albums like Tres Hombres put them on the map. Their big break came with the 1973 hit “La Grange,” but it was their relentless touring and unapologetic Texan attitude that built a cult following. The band’s iconic look—sunglasses, hats, and those legendary beards (minus Beard, ironically)—emerged later, cementing their status as rock’s coolest showmen.

For Zoo Freaks looking to dive deeper, ZZ Top’s official website is the hub for tour dates, merch, and news, including their latest bourbon release, Tres Hombres Whiskey. Stay connected with the band on Facebook, where they post tour updates and vintage photos, or follow their Instagram for behind-the-scenes glimpses and live clips. On X, the band engages with fans, often retweeting posts about their music’s impact. For fan communities, check out the ZZ Top Fans Facebook group, a lively spot where thousands of devotees swap stories, rare vinyl finds, and concert memories. Another gem is ZZ Top Fan Club, a dedicated site offering exclusive content and fan meet-up info. Whether you’re a longtime Zoo Freak or a new convert, “She Loves My Automobile” and ZZ Top’s legacy are sure to keep your wheels spinning.