(Somebody Else Been) Shaking Your Tree

The Zoo Crew is spinning a classic today with (Somebody Else Been) Shaking Your Tree by ZZ Top, a gritty track from their 1971 debut, ZZ Top’s First Album. This song stands out for its raw blues-rock energy and a rare feature: Billy Gibbons playing pedal steel guitar, a skill he showcased only one other time in ZZ Top’s catalog on “I’m Bad, I’m Nationwide.” The lyrics, dripping with betrayal and sly humor, tell the story of a man realizing his partner’s been unfaithful, with lines like “Somebody else been shaking your tree / Supposed to be saving all that stuff for me.” Fans on platforms like YouTube have shared their love for the song’s vintage vibe, with one commenter noting they still own the 45 vinyl from 1968, paired with “Neighbor Neighbor” as the B-side. Another fan reminisced about ZZ Top’s early days as a “garage band” called the Green Warlocks, highlighting the song’s role as their first radio release that rocked Dallas and Houston.

Not much interview material dives deep into this specific track, but ZZ Top’s early sound, as heard in this song, was shaped by their Houston roots and blues influences. A 2019 post on X about their documentary, That Little Ol’ Band From Texas, describes how the band leaned into their eclectic blues-rock style in the early ’70s, which this song exemplifies. Its straightforward chord progression, as detailed on GuvnaGuitars.com, makes it a favorite for guitarists learning to channel ZZ Top’s groove. The song’s vinyl version, praised for its warmer sound compared to digital remixes, has fans on Instagram raving about its authenticity, with one user thanking a poster for sharing the original 1971 release.

ZZ Top got their start in Houston, Texas, in 1969, when Billy Gibbons, fresh from the breakup of his psychedelic band Moving Sidewalks, teamed up with bassist Dusty Hill and drummer Frank Beard. Gibbons, inspired by blues legends like B.B. King and British rockers like Cream, wanted a no-frills power trio that could blend raw blues with a Texas edge. The band’s name came from a playful nod to bluesman Z.Z. Hill and a nod to staying at the top of the alphabet. By 1971, they released ZZ Top’s First Album, recorded with producer Bill Ham, who helped hone their gritty sound. Their early gigs in Texas bars and small venues built a loyal following, with their humor and sexual innuendos—evident in songs like “(Somebody Else Been) Shaking Your Tree”—setting them apart. Over five decades, ZZ Top maintained their core lineup until Hill’s passing in 2021, earning a reputation for electrifying live shows and iconic bearded looks.

You can keep up with ZZ Top on their official website, where they share tour dates, album news, and even their branded bourbon. They’re active on Facebook, posting about recent releases like their 2022 album RAW, and on Instagram, where they share throwback photos and concert clips. Their X account offers updates on performances and documentary insights. Fans gather on sites like Last.fm to discuss tracks and share listening stats, while Facebook groups like ZZ Top Fans buzz with vinyl collectors and concertgoers swapping stories. These communities keep the Zoo Freaks’ spirit alive, celebrating ZZ Top’s enduring legacy.