Small Fry
Bing Crosby Johnny Mercer Victor Young's Small Fryers Lyrics

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Small fry, struttin by the pool room
Small fry, should be in the school room
My, my put down that cigarette
You ain't grown up high and mighty yet
Samll fry, dancin for a penny
Small fry, countin up how many
My, my just jlisten here to me
You ain't the biggest catfish in the sea

You practice peckin all day long to eome old radio song
Oh yes, oh yes, oh yes
You better listen to your (maw, pay)
and someday practice the law
and then you'll be a real success
Ys, small fry, (you) kissed the neighbor's daughter
Small fry, (should) stay in shallow water
Seems I should take you cross my knee
You ain't the biggest catfish in the sea
You've got your feet all soakin wet

You'll be the death of me yet
Oh me, oh my, small fry

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "Small Fry" by Bing Crosby, Johnny Mercer, and Victor Young tell the story of a young and mischievous child who is referred to as a "small fry." The song portrays the child as being too confident and independent for their own good. The singer advises the small fry to put down their cigarette, implying that they are trying to act grown up before their time. The small fry is also depicted as dancing for a penny and counting how many they have earned, suggesting that they are focused on materialistic pursuits at a young age.

The singer emphasizes that the small fry is not as important or significant as they may think. They warn the small fry that they are not the biggest fish in the sea, indicating that they still have a lot to learn and achieve. The lyrics suggest that the small fry spends too much time practicing insignificant things, like pecking along to an old radio song, instead of focusing on more meaningful pursuits like listening to their mother and studying to become successful in the future.

The latter part of the song hints at the consequences of the small fry's actions. The singer mentions that the small fry has kissed the neighbor's daughter, implying that they are engaging in inappropriate behavior for their age. The singer advises the small fry to stay in shallow water, suggesting that they should stay within their bounds and not try to grow up too quickly. Finally, the singer expresses exasperation with the small fry's antics, stating that their wet feet (symbolizing their careless actions) may eventually be the death of them.

Line by Line Meaning

Small fry, struttin by the pool room
Young and inexperienced individuals, displaying self-importance and confidence in a place like a pool room.

Small fry, should be in the school room
These young individuals should be prioritizing their education and learning instead of engaging in frivolous activities.

My, my put down that cigarette
Expressing disapproval and concern over engaging in unhealthy behaviors like smoking at such a young age.

You ain't grown up high and mighty yet
Reminding the small fry that despite their attempts to act mature and superior, they are still far from being truly grown up.

Small fry, dancin for a penny
Referring to how these young individuals are eager to entertain for a small reward or attention.

Small fry, countin up how many
They are keeping track of their small achievements and trying to boast about them.

My, my just listen here to me
Emphasizing the need for the small fry to pay attention and heed wise advice.

You ain't the biggest catfish in the sea
Highlighting that despite their self-confidence, they are not the most significant or remarkable individuals out there.

You practice peckin all day long to some old radio song
Describing how they spend their time imitating or mimicking others by incessantly singing along to popular radio songs.

Oh yes, oh yes, oh yes
Expressing agreement and affirmation towards the previous statement.

You better listen to your (maw, pay)
Stressing the importance of paying attention to one's parents or family members for guidance and wisdom.

and someday practice the law
Encouraging them to pursue a respectable profession, such as becoming a lawyer, through hard work and dedication.

and then you'll be a real success
Implying that by achieving such professional success, they will finally become truly accomplished individuals.

Yes, small fry, (you) kissed the neighbor's daughter
Making a playful remark about their innocent romantic interests or actions, specifically involving the neighbor's daughter.

Small fry, (should) stay in shallow water
Advising them to stick to safe and age-appropriate activities instead of venturing into more complex or risky situations.

Seems I should take you across my knee
Suggesting that disciplining or scolding them is necessary to correct their behavior and guide them towards maturity.

You ain't the biggest catfish in the sea
Reiterating the fact that they are not as significant or outstanding as they may believe themselves to be.

You've got your feet all soaking wet
Pointing out their lack of experience and the consequences they may face due to their reckless actions or choices.

You'll be the death of me yet
Expressing a mix of frustration, concern, and worry over how their behavior may negatively impact the singer.

Oh me, oh my, small fry
An exclamation of exasperation or disappointment towards the small fry's actions or behavior.

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: FRANK LOESSER, HOAGY CARMICHAEL

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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