Lynn was born in Butcher Hollow, Van Lear, Kentucky in 1932. According to Songfacts, Loretta Lynn's superstar Country career started in 1960 when she recorded " I'm a Honky Tonk Girl " as her debut single. The song was a minor hit, climbing to #14 on Billboard's C&W Chart. By the late 1960s she had begun picking up various Female Vocalist of the Year trophies and in 1972 the singer became the first woman in history to win the Country Music Association's Entertainer of the Year trophy. Lynn dominated the Country charts throughout the rest of the decade and has continued to record hit records through the ensuing years. Her 50th anniversary year began with the award of a Grammy Lifetime Achievement on January 31, 2010.
Lynn released over 70 albums. She is the sister of country singer Crystal Gayle (born in Paintsville, Kentucky) and Peggy Sue, and is a cousin of Patty Loveless. Her father was a coal miner in Van Lear. Her biography was made into the 1980 film, Coal Miner's Daughter.
Fist City
Loretta Lynn Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
That you've been a lovin' my man
But the man I love, when he picks up trash
He puts it in a garbage can
That's what a you look like to me
An what I see's a pity
You better close your face and stay outta my way
If you don't wanna go to fist city
If you don't wanna go to fist city
You better detour around my town
'Cause I'll grab you by the hair a the head
And I'll lift you off the ground
I'm not a sayin' my baby's a saint 'cause he ain't
An' that he won't cat around with a kitty
I'm here to tell you gal, to lay off my man
If you don't wanna go to fist city
Come 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 hot stuff
You'll bite off more than you can chew
If you get to cute or witty
You better move your feet
If you don't wanna eat
A meal that's called fist city
If you don't wanna go to fist city
You better detour around my town
'Cause I'll grab you by the hair a the head
And I'll lift you off the ground
I'm not a sayin' my baby's a saint 'cause he ain't
An' that he won't cat around with a kitty
I'm here to tell you gal, to lay off my man
If ya don't wanna go to fist city
I'm here to tell you gal, to lay off my man
If you don't wanna go to fist city
"Fist City" is a classic country song by Loretta Lynn, released in 1968. It's a fierce response to a woman who has been spreading rumors that she's been involved with Lynn's husband. In the first verse, Lynn points out the difference between the woman and herself, saying that the man she loves is responsible and respectable, while the other woman is trash. The second verse is where the song's protagonist takes an even more aggressive stance, warning the other woman to stay away from her husband or face getting physically attacked. The final verse is a challenge to the woman to confront Lynn directly and see what happens.
The song is a bold and unapologetic defense of a woman's honor and a condemnation of infidelity. The woman singing the song is willing to fight for what's hers, and she's not afraid to get physical if necessary. The song's message is clear - if you mess with Loretta Lynn's man, you'll end up regretting it.
Overall, "Fist City" is a classic example of Loretta Lynn's no-nonsense approach to country music. The song is a perfect showcase for her strong voice and assertive personality, and it remains one of her most beloved hits.
Line by Line Meaning
Well, you've been makin' your brags around town
You've been spreading rumors about my man and taking pride in it.
That you've been a lovin' my man
You claim to have been romantically involved with my man behind my back.
But the man I love, when he picks up trash He puts it in a garbage can
My man is a decent person who takes care of his surroundings.
That's what you look like to me An what I see's a pity
You appear to be nothing more than trash and it's a shame to see it.
You better close your face and stay outta my way
You should keep quiet and avoid crossing my path if you know what's good for you.
If you don't wanna go to fist city
If you don't want to get into a physical altercation with me, you better watch your mouth and actions.
You better detour around my town
If you want to avoid getting beaten up by me, you should stay away from my town.
Cause I'll grab you by the hair a the head And I'll lift you off the ground
If you mess with me, I'll physically lift you up by your hair and hurt you.
I'm not a sayin' my baby's a saint 'cause he ain't An' that he won't cat around with a kitty
I'm not claiming that my man is perfect and won't cheat, but that doesn't mean you have the right to come after him.
I'm here to tell you gal, to lay off my man
I'm warning you to stay away from my man and stop trying to get with him.
If you don't wanna go to fist city
If you don't want to end up in a physical fight with me, you better back off.
Come on and tell me what you told my friends
Confess to me what you've been saying about my man to my friends.
If you think you're brave enough And I'll show you what a real woman is
If you're foolish enough to think you can take me on, I'll prove to you what a tough and capable woman I am.
Since you think you're hot stuff You'll bite off more than you can chew
You falsely believe you're superior, but in reality, you're in for a rude awakening.
If you get too cute or witty You better move your feet
If you try to be clever or confrontational, you better run away while you still can.
If you don't wanna eat A meal that's called fist city
If you don't want to get beaten up by me, you better stay out of my way and avoid starting any trouble.
I'm here to tell you gal, to lay off my man
I'm warning you one last time to stay away from my man and not cause any problems.
If ya don't wanna go to fist city
If you don't want to get into a fist fight with me, you better heed my advice and stay away.
Lyrics © SURE - FIRE MUSIC COMPANY
Written by: Loretta Lynn
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
kkiilljjooy
https://amzn.to/2HVnSld "Fist City" (single) - Loretta Lynn MP3 download
https://amzn.to/2mcRdiU "Loretta Lynn - 50th Anniversary Collection" (36 tracks album, Import) Loretta Lynn Audio CD
https://amzn.to/2kTJg26 "Loretta Lynn - 50th Anniversary Collection" (36 tracks album, Import) Loretta Lynn MP3 download
Adam Minter
Sings the whole thing with a big smile on her face. "You daggone right." RIP.
richer enouff
Nobody writes a country song like the one and only Loretta Lynn. Some people may not know that she has had several songs banned from the radio back in the 60's and 70's due to lyrics that made radio stations uncomfortable, and each one became #1 on the charts.
MJTGAngellove
Cancel Culture in the 60s and 70s before it was even a thing imagine Facebook back then would be interesting sex at the drive in theater etc
Ol' Sgt. Love
Love hearing Loretta Lynn sing , she left us today 4 Oct 2022 ....What a Lady and Country Legend. Thankyou Loretta for the memories and beautiful songs to sustain us ...Heaven sure gain a beautiful voice in the Heavenly Choir.
Shawn Gabriel
She’s gone but not forgotten. She is well loved.
sugarfalls1
You know no professional song writer could write this song 'cause it is so poetically gritty and feminine - only a woman who actually went through this could fashion a song this fantastic and genuine. Love you Loretty!!
S & N
Lovely description of This fabulously gifted Lady! Ms. Loretta Lynn she has been on the soundtrack of my life since I was 4 years old singing with my momma to the car radio 'you aint woman enough to take my man'
I think Loretta was a strong encourage of women! Sleep in Peace beautiful Lady!
sugarfalls1
@S & N She's dead? Omg, I had no idea! I just looked it up on wikipedia! Wow, 90 - that's a good life. Yes, rest in peace, Loretta! We miss you!
sugarfalls1
@S & N Wow, four years old! That's a lot longer than I've been listening to her! That's fantastic, Nancy! You are a lucky woman to have that great memory! God bless you!