La Grange

Haw, haw, haw! Crank up ZZ Top's legendary "La Grange," the ultimate blues rock and boogie rock anthem from 1973's Tres Hombres. Driven by Billy Gibbons' iconic riff, this Southern rock classic tells a suggestive tale of a famous Texas establishment, defining their raw 70s sound.

Released on the landmark Tres Hombres album in 1973, "La Grange" became ZZ Top’s breakthrough signature song. Its foundation is the instantly recognizable, infectious guitar riff heavily inspired by blues legend John Lee Hooker, expertly delivered by Billy Gibbons. This blues rock masterpiece rides a relentless boogie rock groove laid down by the late Dusty Hill and Frank Beard, showcasing their raw power and establishing their mainstream presence.

The song's enduring appeal also stems from its sly, suggestive lyrics alluding to the infamous Chicken Ranch brothel near La Grange, Texas. Billy Gibbons' distinctive vocal delivery, complete with growls and laughs, adds to the track's mystique. A staple of classic rock radio and Southern rock playlists, "La Grange" remains perhaps the definitive statement of ZZ Top's gritty 1973 sound and rock 'n' roll attitude.

SONG MEANING: "La Grange" is famously about the Chicken Ranch, a real brothel that operated near La Grange, Texas, until its closure in 1973 (the same year the song was released). The lyrics use rumour and innuendo ("But you know, what I'm talkin' about / Just let me know, if you wanna go / To that home outside of town") to refer to the notorious establishment and the services offered there, without explicitly naming it.