About the song
“Fist City” is a country music anthem that has become synonymous with the fiery spirit of its writer and performer, Loretta Lynn. Released in 1968, the song is a warning to other women who may be tempted to pursue Lynn’s husband, Doolittle, while she is away touring. The song’s inspiration stems from Lynn’s own tumultuous marriage, which was marked by infidelity and jealousy. In response to a woman who began pursuing her husband, Lynn wrote “Fist City” as a warning to other women to stay away from him if they did not wish to be “soundly beaten.”
The song’s composition is a testament to Lynn’s ability to craft a narrative that is both personal and relatable. With its catchy melody and memorable lyrics, “Fist City” has become one of Lynn’s most beloved and enduring songs. The song’s themes of jealousy, infidelity, and female empowerment have resonated with listeners for generations, making it a staple of country music.
Lynn’s own experiences with jealousy and infidelity are well-documented in her autobiography, “Coal Miner’s Daughter.” She has spoken candidly about her tumultuous marriage and the ways in which it influenced her songwriting. “Fist City” is a prime example of Lynn’s ability to channel her emotions into music, creating a song that is both a reflection of her own experiences and a warning to others.
The song’s impact on country music is undeniable. “Fist City” was Lynn’s second number one hit, and it has been covered by numerous artists over the years. The song’s themes of female empowerment and independence have made it a beloved anthem among country music fans. As Nathan Rabin of The A.V. Club notes, “Fist City” is the “single greatest song title of all time,” and its influence can still be felt in country music today.
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Lyrics
You’ve been making your brags around town that you’ve been loving my man
But the man I love, when he picks up trash he puts it in a garbage can
And that’s what you look like to me and what I see is a pity
You better close your face and stay out of my way if you don’t wanna go to Fist CityIf you don’t wanna go to Fist City, you better detour around my town
‘Cause I’ll grab you by the hair of the head and I’ll lift you off of the ground
I’m not a saint, my baby’s a saint ’cause he ain’t natty, won’t cat around with a kitty
I’m here to tell you, you gotta lay off of my man if you don’t wanna go to Fist CityCome on and tell me what you told my friends if you think you’re brave enough
And I’ll show you what a real woman is since you think you’re a hot stuff
You’ll bite off more than you can chew if you get too cute or witty
You better move your feet if you don’t wanna eat a meal that’s called Fist CityIf you don’t wanna go to Fist City you better detour around my town
‘Cause I’ll grab you by the hair of the head and I’ll lift you off of the ground
I’m not a saint, my baby’s a saint ’cause he ain’t natty, won’t cat around with a kitty
I’m here to tell you, you gotta lay off of my man if you don’t wanna go to Fist City
I’m here to tell you, you gotta lay off of my man if you don’t wanna go to Fist City