Sharp Dressed Man

Album: Eliminator (1983)
Charted: 22 56
Play Video
  • Clean shirt, new shoes
    And I don't know where I am goin' to
    Silk suit, black tie (black tie)
    I don't need a reason why

    They come runnin' just as fast as they can
    'Cause every girl crazy 'bout a sharp dressed man

    Gold watch, diamond ring
    I ain't missin' not a single thing
    Cufflinks, stick pin
    When I step out, I'm gonna do you in
    They come runnin' just as fast as they can
    'Cause every girl crazy 'bout a sharp dressed man

    Top coat, top hat
    But I don't worry 'cause my wallet's fat
    Black shades, white gloves
    Lookin' sharp, lookin' for love

    They come runnin' just as fast as they can
    'Cause every girl crazy 'bout a sharp dressed man Writer/s: Billy Gibbons, Dusty Hill, Frank Beard
    Publisher: BMG Rights Management
    Lyrics licensed and provided by LyricFind

Comments: 24

  • Steve from Toronto, CanadaThe song was also used ironically for the TV show Married ... with Children (If I Could See Me Now - 1991). In the episode, there's a montage of Al trying on various frames because he needs to get glasses. He's worried that he'll look ridiculous with glasses on - and that proves to be the case.
  • Pinto from Brooklyn One error: it’s a sequel because of the women and the car; the gas station attendant and the valet are not the same guy.
  • Seventhmist from 7th HeavenIn 1985, "Weird Al" Yankovic included one verse of this song ("Top coat, top hat...") in his medley "Hooked On Polkas."
  • Barry from Gagetown NbI'm Happy to say I saw them live again last summer 2018 ... The first time was 1980 ... I think they rock even harder NOW!
  • Heather from Leeds, EnglandThis song is mentioned alongside Velcro Zipper in Stephen King's Dark Tower book III The Waste Land - as the characters come across the God drums, Eddie Dean is convinced that the drumming could belong to either Velcro Zipper or Sharp Dressed Man by ZZ Top. Probably one of the ways that the book links to King's novel The Stand.
  • Randy from Rio De Janeiro, -30+ years later, that's still a great rock tune and music video.
  • Deethewriter from Saint Petersburg, Russia FederationSteven Tyler, Mick Fleetwood, John McVie, and Jonny Lang have teamed up as the supergroup The M.O.B. to cover ZZ Top's "Sharp Dressed Man" for a V/A Tribute Collection ' ZZ Top: A Tribute From Friends', coming out on October 11th, 2011 A.D.
  • Tom from Cleveland, OhBilly Gibbons plays on the track "Run Rudolph Run" on Eagle Records' 2008 Christmas compilation - "We Wish You A Metal Xmas and A Headbanging New Year" featuring Motorhead's Lemmy Kilmister on vocals, and also featuring Dave Grohl [Nirvana /Foo Fighters]
  • Austin from Smallsville,new England, --Kid Rock covered this with Nickelback
  • Jak from Helsinki, FinlandThis song is featured in: Evan Almighty. in tv series: late night with Conan o Brien, til death, the simpsons, Beavis And Butthead it has also appeared in S&K suit commercial,Cold Case, and stephen king´s mini series The Stand. In video games:guitar hero. Covered by: Debbie Harry, Nickelback.
  • Michael from Morris County, NjOne of the greatest songs in the world. It's my ringtone.
  • Matt from Urbandale, IaThe band appeared on the 80's TV show St. Elsewhere. One of the actors fell asleep in a closet and dreamed he was in the video. When he awoke, the keychain was there. Awesome.
  • Steve from Winnipeg, Canadapretty good song
  • Chris from Harrisonburg, VaBilly has a book coming out this fall...in which he reveals the real truth behind the name of the band...It has more to do with legends BB King and ZZ Hill than rolling papers.
  • Ken from Louisville, KyZZ Top performed this along with "Tush" on "The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson" in 1986. When the camera cut back to Johnny, he was wearing a fake "ZZ Top" beard!
  • Screamin' Armadillo from Fort Worth, TxThe truth is, the true origin of the band's name has never been revealed. Billy Gibbons has given multiple non-responsive answers in regard to the question, and nowadays, he says, "We really don't remember where it came from." The rumor about Zig Zag/Top rolling papers is the most popular version of the story.
  • Tanner from Vancouver, CanadaThey were the kings of the power cord!
    - Tanner, BC, Canada
  • Martijn from Helmond, NetherlandsI became in instant fan the minute I heard that the only one without a beard is called Beard. And because of the Reverend's guitar playing of course. Billy G. has the greatest guitar sound ever. Period.
  • Julia from London, Englandthe reason why ZZ top usea lot of hot playboy models and cars in the video is because Frank Beard said in an interview that the band realised that the girls were a lot better lookin' than the band was, even the cars were better lookin' than they were, so they decided to put the good lookin' things up front, while they dropped in and out so their fans know it's them.
    oh and it is true that every girl is crazy about a sharp dressed man
  • Chris from Victoria, TxThis song rocks especially BLACK TIE!!! Me and my friends rock this song and that part is just an awesome adder in for it.
  • Deana from Indianapolis, InAnd the Eliminator is in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
  • Rachel from Waurika, Okif dudes took this song more seriosly they might get more chicks cause every girl is crazy about a sharp dressed man. (most of then anyway)
  • Luke from Manchester, EnglandYeah, I know my spelling is crap but sue me, I've been drinking
  • Luke from Manchester, England1) ZZTop's name is the amalgamation of ZigZag (ZZ) and Top 2 popular brands of rolling papers.

    2) They staryed out without beards but got told they'd sell with a gimmick, so they grew the beards.

    3) Their drummer, Frank Beard is the only one WITHOUT a beard
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Gary Brooker of Procol Harum

Gary Brooker of Procol HarumSongwriter Interviews

The lead singer and pianist for Procol Harum, Gary talks about finding the musical ideas to match the words.

Little Richard

Little RichardFact or Fiction

Was Long Tall Sally a cross-dresser? Did he really set his piano on fire? See if you know the real stories about one of rock's greatest innovators.

Arrested For Your Art - The Story Of 2 Live Crew's "Obscene" Album

Arrested For Your Art - The Story Of 2 Live Crew's "Obscene" AlbumSong Writing

In the summer of 1990, you could get arrested for selling a 2 Live Crew album or performing their songs in Southern Florida. And that's exactly what happened.

Adam Young of Owl City

Adam Young of Owl CitySongwriter Interviews

Is Owl City on a quest for another hit like "Fireflies?" Adam answers that question and explains the influences behind many others.

Bryan Adams

Bryan AdamsSongwriter Interviews

What's the deal with "Summer of '69"? Bryan explains what the song is really about, and shares more of his songwriting insights.

Timothy B. Schmit of the Eagles

Timothy B. Schmit of the EaglesSongwriter Interviews

Did this Eagle come up with the term "Parrothead"? And what is it like playing "Hotel California" for the gazillionth time?