The PPL ultimately located itself in Columbus, Ohio (sixty miles north of Waverly), and the group had its first success in Cincinnati. The original stage band was made up of Fuller, McGrail, Powell, Phil Stokes on bass, and Robin Suskind on guitar and mandola. His steel guitar greatly improved on the guys' country songs and sparked hot guitar duels with Fuller that contributed greatly to the 'fusion' ethos of the band, its signature sound.
PPL’s biggest hits include Fuller’s country classic, "Amie", a piece released in 1972 that still attracts major airplay today due to its smooth, emotional sound. Some of their other tracks are “Two Lane Highway” and the musically less-representative pop song "Let Me Love You Tonight", which was composed by Jeff Wilson, Dan Greer, and Steve Woodard. Vince Gill, later to become one of Nashville’s biggest solo stars, sang and played guitar with the band in the early 80s and recorded a revised version of "Amie" for their greatest hits album.
In the late 90s, PPL was back with a lineup of Fuller, Connor, Reilly, Burr, Fats Kaplin (pedal steel guitar, mandolin, banjo, fiddle, accordion, washboard) and Rich Schell (vocals, drums, percussion). After two years, in June 2000, Burr was succeeded by Curtis Wright (vocals, guitars). The group began work on a new album in 2002, but abandoned the sessions and separated once again (probably due to the illness of Connor). Connor died on September 9th, 2004 after a long battle with cancer.
Following Connor's death, the group resumed touring once more in 2004 with Fuller, Reilly, Schell, Wright and Kaplin (when available), and released All in Good Time in 2005, their first album in 18 years. This release appeared on the small Drifter's Church label.
Since this time, PPL have continued to tour playing a handful of shows every year. Reilly was unable to continue in 2006 after he was forced to undergo a liver transplant. Jack Sundrud (from Poco) came in to sub for Reilly, and Rick Plant also briefly did a stint on bass (before relocating to Australia in late 2006). Sundrud then returned. Reilly appeared at a few shows in May 2007, playing guitar, but was unable to come back full-time until 2008. Jeff "Stick" Davis (from Amazing Rhythm Aces) sat in on bass for Mike in 2007. Call played some concerts in 2006 & 2007, standing in for Kaplin, and Donnie Clark replaced Curtis Wright in 2006, after Wright joined Reba McEntire's band.
A fourteenth album was released in 2006, composed primarily of Craig Fuller songs, an echo of their very first album back in 1971.
Catfishin'
Pure Prairie League Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Whatcha say we go down a hundred miles or two
Catfishin' at whiskey slew
Bring along some wet your throat fried chicken too
Catfishin' at whiskey slew
.... We could stay all night long the bullfrog band will sing it's song
How'd ya like to go for a ride out where the sky is blue
Catfishin' at whiskey slew
We could watch the sun come up or sleep right through
Catfishin' at whiskey slew
How'd ya like to go for a ride out where the sky is blue
Catfishin' at the whiskey slew
Bring along some twistables fried chicken too
Catfishin' at the whiskey slew
Catfishin' at the whiskey slew
"Catfishin'" by Pure Prairie League is a charming country song that paints a vivid picture of a classic American pastime - fishing for catfish. However, the song is more about the joy of the experience than the actual act of fishing. The singer is inviting their love interest to go on a road trip to a place called "whiskey slew" where they can fish for catfish, enjoy some fried chicken, and listen to the bullfrog band all night long. The song's lyrics set a relaxed and soothing tone, perfectly capturing the laid-back atmosphere of a fishing trip. The singer wants to spend time with the person they love while enjoying the simple pleasures of life.
The song's lyrics are not deep or profound but rather convey an innocent and joyful experience of spending a night camping and fishing with someone you care about. It highlights the beauty of staying away from the hustle and bustle of city life and enjoying nature. The song is an invitation that encourages people to slow down and appreciate moments of simplicity and happiness.
In conclusion, "Catfishin'" is a delightful song about the simple joys of life that promotes relaxation and peace of mind. It is about cherishing the company of people we care about and enjoying the beauty of nature.
Line by Line Meaning
Whatcha say we go down a hundred miles or two
Would you like to take a long trip with me down to a remote location?
Catfishin' at whiskey slew
We'll go fishing for catfish at Whiskey Slew
Bring along some wet your throat fried chicken too
Let's bring some fried chicken to snack on while we're fishing
.... We could stay all night long the bullfrog band will sing it's song
Even if we don't catch any fish, we can enjoy the music of the bullfrogs all night long
And even if the fish don't bite you wake up in the mornin' and ya feel just right
Fishing is a relaxing activity, and even if we don't catch any fish, we'll still feel good in the morning
How'd ya like to go for a ride out where the sky is blue
Would you like to go on a scenic drive through the countryside?
We could watch the sun come up or sleep right through
We can either watch the sunrise or sleep in if we'd like
Catfishin' at whiskey slew
We'll go fishing for catfish at Whiskey Slew
How'd ya like to go for a ride out where the sky is blue
Would you like to go on a scenic drive through the countryside?
Catfishin' at the whiskey slew
We'll go fishing for catfish at Whiskey Slew
Bring along some twistables fried chicken too
Let's bring some fried chicken to snack on while we're fishing
Catfishin' at the whiskey slew
We'll go fishing for catfish at Whiskey Slew
Contributed by Emma J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.