I Got The Six

ZZ Top's song "I Got The Six" is a playful and cheeky exploration of time, desire, and frustration. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a man who is bored and restless, seeking something more exciting and substantial to fill his time. The opening lines set the scene in a living room where the protagonist is passing time, talking trash, and sipping wine, but feeling unfulfilled. This sense of ennui is further emphasized by his reluctance to engage in mundane activities, such as playing cards, which he finds too laborious.

The recurring line, "I got the six, gimme your nine," is a clever metaphor that plays on the numbers six and nine, which can be seen as a reference to the yin-yang symbol, representing balance and harmony. However, in the context of the song, it also carries a sexual innuendo, hinting at the protagonist's desire for intimacy and connection. The lyrics delve into his thoughts, which are described as obscene, and his frustration with the images in magazines that only serve to heighten his sense of longing.

As the song progresses, the protagonist's frustration reaches a peak. He describes a situation where he is with a woman who is "so discriminating" and won't let him touch her, leading to his exasperation. The line "I just heard the rooster crow" is a humorous nod to the passage of time and the inevitability of morning, symbolizing the end of his night of unfulfilled desires. The final line, "I guess I'll have to spank my monkey," is a crude but humorous way of expressing his need to take matters into his own hands, literally and figuratively.

ZZ Top's signature blues-rock sound, combined with their playful and irreverent lyrics, makes "I Got The Six" a memorable and entertaining song that captures the essence of human desire and the frustration that often accompanies it.