In 1986, he was among the first batch to get inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame. "Ain't That A Shame" and "Blueberry Hill" were named part of The Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame's 500 Songs That Shaped Rock & Roll. In 2004, "Blueberry Hill" was named #81 and "Ain't That A Shame" was named #431 on Rolling Stone's Top 500 Songs Of All Time. In 2004, he was named #25 on Rolling Stone's 100 Greatest Artists Of All Time.
In the wake of Domino's rescue from his 9th ward home during 2005's Hurricane Katrina, the Tipitina's Foundation organized a tribute album to the elder artist featuring Robert Plant, Norah Jones, Paul McCartney and numerous other acts that owe a creative debt to this seminal rock n roll pianist.
Hey Fat Man
Fats Domino Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Hey I just get in your town
I'm gonna hang around
Yes I'm ready to fly
All over the town
Yes what your chick says
I gotta fine bite dog
Gonna play my fingers off
Hey fat man hey fat man
Hey fat man hey fat man
Half got it half got it
Half got it half got it
The lyrics to Fats Domino's song Hey! Fat Man seem quite straightforward at first glance, but there's definitely some deeper meaning hidden beneath the surface. The opening line, "Hey fat man hey fat man" seems to be an invitation of sorts, with Domino declaring his presence in the town and his intention to "hang around". This could be interpreted as his desire to connect with the locals and soak up the atmosphere of the place he's found himself in.
The next few lines, "Yes I'm ready to fly / All over the town" suggest a sense of adventure, as Domino sets out to explore and discover everything the town has to offer. He then alludes to the attention he's receiving from women, with the line "Yes what your chick says / Come on and give me place". This could be interpreted as a nod to his charisma and popularity with the opposite sex, which is also hinted at when he mentions his "fine bite dog" that he's going to play his fingers off. This could be interpreted as a metaphor for his prowess with the ladies, and his intention to have a good time while in town.
The repeated chorus of "Hey fat man hey fat man / Half got it half got it / Half got it half got it" seems to be a call and response-type interaction with the audience, encouraging them to join in with the song and keep the energy high. Overall, the song seems to be a celebration of life and experiences, with Domino relishing the chance to live it up and enjoy himself wherever he goes.
Line by Line Meaning
Hey fat man hey fat man
Addressing someone who is overweight, possibly as a nickname.
Hey I just get in your town
Announcing arrival in the town or city where the person is being addressed.
I'm gonna hang around
Planning on staying for a while.
Yes I'm ready to fly
Excited and eager to move around and explore the area.
All over the town
Planning on exploring all parts of the city or town.
Yes what your chick says
Asking the person about what their girlfriend or female companion thinks or says.
Come on and give me place
Asking for some space or room to move around in and enjoy oneself.
I gotta fine bite dog
Possibly referring to a musical instrument, indicating that the artist is talented in playing it.
Gonna play my fingers off
Planning on playing music with great skill and enthusiasm.
Half got it half got it
Repeating the phrase from the beginning of the song to add emphasis to the previous lyrics.
Half got it half got it
Repeating the phrase from the beginning of the song as a way of ending the song or emphasizing the previous lyrics once more.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: ANTOINE DOMINO
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Roosevelt Davis
The fabulous Fats Domino. Love his early imperial recordings. RIP brother Fats.
Robert Bracegirdle
Always said his pre-pop stuff before 1954 was the best. This is great.
Helge Aaen
This is Great!!!
Howie Karpe
All these years and missed this one...Heavy Piano good good one
Peter Emmert
This proves his great boogie-woogie piano style, seldom heard on later Fats records.