Between 1994 and 2004, Murphy charted a total of thirteen singles on the U.S. Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks charts, one of which (1995's "Dust on the Bottle") reached Number One. In addition, he has co-written singles for other country artists, including "Living in Fast Forward", a Number One single for Kenny Chesney in 2006.
Fish Ain't Bitin'
David Lee Murphy Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Had a wavin' rebel flag tattooed on her arm
She called everybody honey
That came walkin' through her door
She was known for puttin' things just the way they were
She called 'em like she saw 'em without smoothin' fur
When it comes to woman torubles
If the fish ain't bitin'
If the fish ain't bitin'
Well now don't go gettin' shook
Honey take a look
What kinda bait you got on the hook
With that low smokey voice I can she her Lord
Breakin' up fights over Chevys and Fords
With that motherly broomstick logic
No man can ignore
But on the subject of love she gave good advice
And everybody listened without thinkin' twice
And she swore when she said it
Without blinkin' an eye oh my
If the fish ain't bitin'
If the fish ain't bitin'
Well now don't go gettin' shook
Honey take a look
What kinda bait you got on the hook
So if you're down on your luck and all you can say is
You should've seen the one I let get away
Well maybe all you need is a change in your strategy yes indeed
If the fish ain't bitin'
If the fish ain't bitin'
Well now don't go gettin' shook
Honey take a look
What kinda bait you got on the hook
In David Lee Murphy's song Fish Ain't Bitin', Sally Cantrell is portrayed as a tough, no-nonsense bartender who is renowned for her straight-talking style. She is depicted as someone who doesn't mince her words and is always ready to give out advice. The lyrics describe her as having a rebel flag tattoo and a low, smokey voice that she uses to break up fights in the bar. Sally Cantrell is someone who commands respect and is considered to be an expert on love and relationships. Her advice is always heeded and she never fails to deliver it in a calm and measured manner.
The lyrics suggest that Sally Cantrell's wisdom can be applied not just to love but to all aspects of life. When it comes to fishing, for example, she advises that if the fish ain't bitin', you need to take a look at the bait on your hook. In other words, if you're not getting what you want, it's time to reassess your approach and make some changes. This is a message that can be interpreted in many different ways, and it's one that is likely to resonate with listeners.
Overall, Fish Ain't Bitin' is a song that celebrates the wisdom of someone who is able to cut through the nonsense and get straight to the heart of the matter. Sally Cantrell may not be a real person, but she represents a type of person who is often found in small towns across America. Her down-to-earth approach to life is something that many people can relate to, and the song does a great job of capturing this.
Line by Line Meaning
Sally Cantrell worked behind the bar
Sally Cantrell was a bartender
Had a wavin' rebel flag tattooed on her arm
She had a tattoo of a rebel flag on her arm
She called everybody honey
She referred to everyone as 'honey'
That came walkin' through her door
Those who entered her bar
She was known for puttin' things just the way they were
She was known for being honest
She called 'em like she saw 'em without smoothin' fur
She spoke her mind without sugarcoating
When it comes to woman torubles
When it came to women's problems
Nobody said it better than her no sir
She was the best at giving advice on women's problems
If the fish ain't bitin'
If things aren't going your way
If the fish ain't bitin'
If things aren't going your way
Well now don't go gettin' shook
Don't get upset
Honey take a look
Take a moment to evaluate the situation
What kinda bait you got on the hook
What approach or strategy are you using?
With that low smokey voice I can she her Lord
She had a deep, raspy voice that was distinct
Breakin' up fights over Chevys and Fords
She was good at stopping arguments over cars
With that motherly broomstick logic
She had a no-nonsense, practical approach
No man can ignore
Everyone would listen to her advice
But on the subject of love she gave good advice
She was particularly insightful when it came to romantic advice
And everybody listened without thinkin' twice
People trusted her advice without hesitation
And she swore when she said it
She was absolutely sure of her advice
Without blinkin' an eye oh my
She was confident and unwavering in her assertions
So if you're down on your luck and all you can say is
If you're feeling unlucky and defeated
You should've seen the one I let get away
You regret not being more successful
Well maybe all you need is a change in your strategy yes indeed
Perhaps a new approach is needed
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Denise Wiseman
Love it
Frances DeMers
Love this guy. Man, he is good lookin, good singer too.
Donald Tittle,Jr
Party Crowd was played at my best friends funeral! He made me promise and I always keep my word. Especially when it comes to close friends and "some" relatives. He had saved my life a few times and I'd saved his ass once or twice. I couldn't do anything about the brain cancer. Wish I could have. R.I.P. Greg.
Quentin Dugger
My good friend wrote this and DLM bought it off him to record and it became a hit single #52 on the Billboard. And I'm proud to know the man who wrote this for David Lee.
jon smith
Good song I remember 20 yrs ago with good advice ha!
Mr768113
AHH, my youth! This brings back memories of the best years of my life and great county music...and chevy chevettes lol.
Christopher Osborne
Love this song truly one of my favorites rock on David Lee Murphy your the best of the best.
Bryan su
Damn, his voice is good...how long did it take him to get it there?
Vicky flanagan
Love this man. Good looking. love all his songs.
Deborah Joyner
That is one gorgeous man, and them green eyes get me ever time, voice is great also