About The Song
Ah, summertime. The sun is high, the birds are singin’, and down by the river, the fellas are headin’ out with their poles and promises of a big catch. But hold your horses, ladies! Sometimes, what they’re reelin’ in ain’t quite what they say it is. That’s the playful premise of Dolly Parton’s classic country tune, “Something Fishy”. Released in 1967 on her debut album, “Hello, I’m Dolly,” the song became an instant hit, showcasing the young singer’s sassy wit and knack for storytelling.
Now, Dolly’s no stranger to a good love song, belting out ballads that could melt the butter on your biscuits. But here, she takes a different turn, tappin’ into that suspicion that sometimes flickers in the back of a wife’s mind. You see, our narrator’s husband, bless his heart, seems awfully fond of these late-night “fishing trips” with his buddies. He says he’ll be home by ten, but the clock keeps tickin’ on past midnight. And what’s that smudge of lipstick doin’ on his collar? Uh oh, somethin’ just ain’t right.
“Something Fishy” ain’t a bitter song, mind you. It’s a wink and a nudge, a playful poke at the tall tales men sometimes tell. Dolly delivers the lyrics with her signature twang, her voice brimming with a good-natured suspicion. You can practically picture her tappin’ her foot, waitin’ for her man to explain that lipstick stain.
This song struck a chord with women across the country. It captured the experience of a woman who knows her own worth and ain’t afraid to call out a fishy story. Back then, country music often portrayed women as subservient, but Dolly flipped the script. Here, the woman’s the strong one, the one seein’ through the charade. It was a refreshing take, a reminder that even in a love song, there can be a healthy dose of sass.
So, if you’re lookin’ for a tune that’ll make you smile and tap your toes, put on Dolly Parton’s “Something Fishy”. It’s a timeless classic, a reminder that sometimes, the best catch ain’t the one on a hook. It’s the one who knows how to keep you on your toes, with a wink and a song.