They began touring the Texas punk circuit in the early nineties, creating a fan base and becoming regulars of punk venues like Slipped Disc and The Jumpin' Java Joint. In this time they opened for such bands as Swervedriver, ALL, and The Poster Children.
A demo tape was released and quickly became an underground hit. It followed the pattern of punk band The Descendents, with tracks like "Tallman" (about the middle finger) and "Marry Me" (a Lyon- composed love song). This was punk to have fun to, and it appealed to the Dallas punk scene at the time, which was composed mainly of suburbanites who would drive downtown on the weekends and had no time for politics.
Then grunge happened. Being fans of Seattle, WA's Mudhoney and the Northwestern punk sound, a decision was made to augment the band with a richer sound. Tensions between drummer Banning Lyon and the Blair brothers was mounting. Lyon was feeling used for his friendships with major punk bands. Zach and Donnie Blair felt used on account of their mother's wealth. Lyon left the band in 1992. John Fromme, formerly of the band "Pee Pee" joined in on drums. Another guitarist, "Camper" was added to fill out the sound. This lineup pushed the band into new territory, and the fans really liked it, but the band was winding down. The rampant drug abuse of lead singer James Newhouse, Camper, and Fromme ran counter to the "2 out of 3" straight edge of the brothers Blair. So they left, bringing with them the Hagfish name.
The third incarnation of the band, vocalist George Reagan III, brothers Doni and Zach Blair, and drummer Tony Barsotti decided to record their first studio album, Buick Men, on Dragon Street Records in 1993.
Hagfish then signed with London Records and released the 1995 album, ...Rocks your Lame Ass. This went on to become their most commercially successful album. In 1996 Hagfish was voted best Alternative Rock/Pop act by the Dallas Observer. After numerous arguments about the follow-up to ...Rocks your Lame Ass, London dropped Hagfish, and they returned to the independent scene. Their self-titled album Hagfish, was released on Honest Don's in 1997, but did not see any real commercial success. Several breakups soon followed, and the bands touring stopped. The last release made by the band was a live album, That was Then, This is Then, which was released in 2001.
Since the official break up in 2001, the band members have gone on to other projects. George has moved on to a homegrown Hip-Hop band The Brothers. Doni has participated in several bands including the instrumental band The Mag Seven, Armstrong, and his current project Only Crime. Zach also currently plays in Rise Against, as well as having played with the Burden Brothers, GWAR, Only Crime, Adventures of Jet and Armstrong.
fruit
Hagfish Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'd see the world a different way
If I were gay
You'd look at me, but not that way
Politically, I'm incorrect
In every way
The church would like to
Fruit, Fruit everywhere
It's in the way you shake your derriere
Fruit, Fruit all the way
So take your best friend and kiss him
Like you just don't care
Remove the she
Insert the he
The song's the same
And if you feel a little queer
Don't refrain
And lesbians
They are my friends, they are my friends
If I were lesbian
I'd want my girlfriends' friends
The Hagfish's song "Fruit" is a quirky and humorous take on sexuality and identity. The opening lyrics, "If I were gay, I'd see the world a different way," evoke the idea of different perspectives and experiences that individuals have based on their sexual orientation. The song goes on to challenge societal norms and expectations surrounding homosexuality, with the singer proclaiming that they are politically incorrect and that even the church would condemn them. However, the chorus of the song takes an irreverent and playful turn, with the repeated refrain of "Fruit, Fruit everywhere, it's in the way you shake your derriere..." The song seems to be making a broader point about sexuality being a natural and vibrant part of our lives, and that we should celebrate and embrace it rather than hide it away or be ashamed.
One interesting fact about "Fruit" is that the song was released in 1997, at a time when the LGBTQ+ movement was gaining serious momentum in the US and around the world. The song's playful and subversive lyrics were therefore especially relevant, and it quickly gained a devoted fan following. Another interesting fact is that the song has been interpreted in different ways by listeners - some see it as an anthem of liberation and acceptance, while others argue that it reinforces stereotypes and caricatures of LGBTQ+ people.
Despite the potentially controversial subject matter of the song, the Hagfish intentionally created a fun and upbeat track that was meant to bring people together. The band's unique sound - a blend of punk rock and alternative influences - set them apart from many of their peers at the time, and gave them a reputation for being a band that wasn't afraid to take risks with their music. In many ways, "Fruit" encapsulates this attitude: it's a song that's unapologetic, daring, and just a little bit cheeky.
Chords (from ultimate guitar)
Verse ö A D
Bridge ö A D E D A D E D A D
Chorus ö D A D A D
Line by Line Meaning
If I were gay
The singer is imagining a scenario where they identify as homosexual.
I'd see the world a different way
The singer believes their perspective on the world would change if they were homosexual.
If I were gay
Reiterating the scenario of identifying as homosexual.
You'd look at me, but not that way
The artist believes others would interact with them differently if they were homosexual.
Politically, I'm Incorrect
The artist may have opinions that are not accepted or mainstream, which may include their stance on homosexuality.
In every way
The singer feels like they do not fit societal norms in multiple aspects, including political beliefs.
The church would like to
The singer perceives the church as not being accepting of their identity or beliefs.
See me burn and call me names
The artist believes the church would ostracize and insult them if they were open about their political beliefs and sexuality.
Fruit, Fruit everywhere
The term 'fruit' is being used as a metaphor for homosexuality, and the artist is observing that it is prevalent.
It's in the way you shake your derriere
The artist believes they can identify homosexuality based on someone's actions or movements.
Fruit, Fruit all the way
Reiterating the prevalence of homosexuality and the metaphorical use of 'fruit'.
So take your best friend and kiss him
The artist is encouraging breaking societal norms and gender expectations by performing an intimate act with a same-gender friend.
Like you just don't care
The singer is encouraging being confident in one's actions despite societal expectations and norms.
Remove the she
The singer is encouraging gender fluidity and the removal of gender labels.
Insert the he
The singer is encouraging the replacement of one gender label with another to challenge societal norms and expectations.
The song's the same
The context of the song remains the same, regardless of the gender labels used.
And if you feel a little queer
The artist is acknowledging the term 'queer' as encompassing non-heterosexual identities.
Don't refrain
The singer is encouraging embracing one's identity and desires, regardless of societal norms.
And lesbians
The singer is addressing lesbianism.
They are my friends, they are my friends
The artist is expressing their acceptance and relationship with lesbians as friends.
If I were lesbian
The artist is imagining a scenario where they identify as homosexual and specifically lesbian.
I'd want my girlfriends' friends
The artist is expressing that if they were lesbian, they would be attracted to their girlfriend's friends, highlighting the dynamics of same-gender relationships.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: EARL POWELL, EARL BUD POWELL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind