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John Prine — Fish and Whistle
Album: Bruised Orange
Avg rating:
6.8

Your rating:
Total ratings: 1236









Released: 1978
Length: 3:09
Plays (last 30 days): 0
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I been thinking lately about the people I meet
The carwash on the corner and the hole in the street
The way my ankles hurt with shoes on my feet
And I'm wondering if I'm gonna see tomorrow.

Father forgive us for what we must do
You forgive us we'll forgive you
We'll forgive each other till we both turn blue
Then we'll whistle and go fishing in heaven.

I was in the army but I never dug a trench
I used to bust my knuckles on a monkey wrench
Then I'd go to town and drink and give the girls a pinch
But I don't think they ever even noticed me.

Fish and whistle, whistle and fish
Eat everything that they put on your dish
And when we get through we'll make a big wish
That we never have to do this again again

On my very first job I said thank you and please
They made me scrub a parking lot down on my knees
Then I got fired for being scared of bees
And they only give me fifty cents an hour.
Comments (135)add comment
Sounds like John Denver
Posted 8 months ago by Rcallinjr    [ Reply ]
 Roguewarer wrote:

you can love him all you want, but his music and lyrics just annoy the hell out of me.



As do you to us.
Posted 9 months ago by TC1    [ Reply ]
you can love him all you want, but his music and lyrics just annoy the hell out of me.
Posted 1 year ago by Roguewarer    [ Reply ]
is that a penny whistle?

for crying out loud
Posted 1 year ago by idiot_wind    [ Reply ]
 Ihatethissong wrote:

I was in the other room when most of this song was playing, but give it a 10 for his epic  bedhead hair do on the album cover.

This has nothing to do with your multi-year relationship with this song, but I think that's my point, which is pointless.

Funny how this  song has impacted you so strongly over the years, every time hearing it, you are compelled to comment on the progression of your perceptions.

I could probably ramble on here, but I have digressed, or perhaps regressed, but more importantly I shall now egress.


what i find funniest is I really love the song now, as well as many other John Prine songs,  what a long strange ride. 
Posted 1 year ago by Decoy    [ Reply ]
Wonderful! Thank you John and RP for bringing this to my day.  
Posted 2 years ago by dirtbagpook    [ Reply ]
Sorry but EVERY John Prine song is a 10.
Posted 3 years ago by Orphan    [ Reply ]
good Lord the hair! we were all so young then...but not too smart to resist being foolish. RIP to a man who made me smile a lot
Posted 4 years ago by xcranky_yankee    [ Reply ]
God Bless John Prine.  But let's try to resist the tendency to go political...
Posted 4 years ago by WannabeBanned    [ Reply ]
Brings tears to my eyes.  He survived the ravages of throat cancer, only to be taken by Coronavirus.  Great memories of singing along to all of his songs.  A humble and amazing songwriter and performer.
Posted 4 years ago by khardog145    [ Reply ]
RIP, John.  Thank you for bringing us such great music for so long.
Posted 4 years ago by csetti    [ Reply ]
Now that's a haircut.
Posted 4 years ago by unclehud    [ Reply ]
I love having a good stereo.  The penny whistle is fantastic!
Posted 5 years ago by bbjordan400    [ Reply ]
 Decoy wrote:
 Decoy wrote:
5->4 I remember the last time this played....not all that awful...but I could go awhile before I hear it again.

 

Decoy wrote:

4->3 Wasn't quite long enough...



Decoy wrote:

My oh my, this last year has flown by.  

 
OK after 7 years back up to a decent 6. I think hearing it once ever 4 years is my spot.
 
there must have been a dark spot in my life here, as noted above, my perception of this has changed a lot, it's only been 8 months, marked it a 7 now...it's funny how the music never changes, but how we react to it certainly does.
Posted 5 years ago by Decoy    [ Reply ]
 danmaiullo wrote:
This song calls for a new category called "I'm gonna shoot myself!"
 
Better yet, one called "You shot yourself".
Posted 5 years ago by h8rhater    [ Reply ]
I'm with listener Hayduke, John Prine is today's Mark Twain. Both are American treasures. A 9.3 for this song.
Posted 5 years ago by jimtyrrell    [ Reply ]
How does one end up with a fishy whistle?
Posted 5 years ago by lukenigel    [ Reply ]
Catchy. 

I can envision him and the other disciples of Lord Guthrie tramping across a green hilside. 
Posted 5 years ago by rout39574    [ Reply ]
 Decoy wrote:
 Decoy wrote:
5->4 I remember the last time this played....not all that awful...but I could go awhile before I hear it again.

 

Decoy wrote:

4->3 Wasn't quite long enough...



Decoy wrote:

My oh my, this last year has flown by.  

 
OK after 7 years back up to a decent 6. I think hearing it once ever 4 years is my spot.
 
I was in the other room when most of this song was playing, but give it a 10 for his epic  bedhead hair do on the album cover.

This has nothing to do with your multi-year relationship with this song, but I think that's my point, which is pointless.

Funny how this  song has impacted you so strongly over the years, every time hearing it, you are compelled to comment on the progression of your perceptions.

I could probably ramble on here, but I have digressed, or perhaps regressed, but more importantly I shall now egress.
Posted 6 years ago by Ihatethissong    [ Reply ]
 Decoy wrote:
5->4 I remember the last time this played....not all that awful...but I could go awhile before I hear it again.

 

Decoy wrote:

4->3 Wasn't quite long enough...



Decoy wrote:

My oh my, this last year has flown by.  

 
OK after 7 years back up to a decent 6. I think hearing it once ever 4 years is my spot.
Posted 6 years ago by Decoy    [ Reply ]
   good as it gets.. {#Music}
Posted 6 years ago by moodfood    [ Reply ]
Quite listenable... {#Wink}
Posted 6 years ago by rgabriel    [ Reply ]
Even Bob Dylan calls him the master. Prine is as good as anyone.
Posted 6 years ago by LonesomeDrifter    [ Reply ]
thank you psd for more Master Prine (btw, terrific little article in today's NYTimes: John Prine Endures, With a Half-Smile and a Song )
Posted 8 years ago by hayduke2    [ Reply ]
Godlike American Master Songwriter of the Mark Twain Strain
Posted 8 years ago by hayduke2    [ Reply ]
Absolutely brilliant..
Posted 10 years ago by jar    [ Reply ]
This song calls for a new category called "I'm gonna shoot myself!"
Posted 10 years ago by danmaiullo    [ Reply ]
Amen

Bless this fabulous man 
Posted 10 years ago by hayduke2    [ Reply ]

In reply to Idiot Wind's fine choice of lyrics, I offer these also:

"While out sailing on the ocean
While out sailing on the sea
I bumped into the Savior
And He said pardon me
I said "Jesus you look tired"
He said "Jesus so do you,
Sit down son
'Cause I got some fat to chew"

 

Love John Prine.


Posted 10 years ago by LPCity    [ Reply ]
 ckcotton wrote:
Do they sing along to this in Kindergarten too?

Not for people that like more "mature" music.....;)
Father forgive us, for what we must do
You forgive us, and we'll forgive you

Was just discussing the idea of holding the Deity responsible for life's problems in the same measure as the Deity's followers expect us to assume responsibility for abstractions expressed as laws (then dismissing each as a philosophically null set) with some kindergarteners the other day. Is this where the wink emoticon goes?
Posted 11 years ago by Businessgypsy    [ Reply ]
My third Prine tune today (local college station did some earlier) and that is for me a Blessing from the Right Kinda Spirits!!!
(yeah he's awesome!  one song ends "..song's done, hot dog bun, my sister's a nun."  !)
Posted 11 years ago by hayduke2    [ Reply ]

On a dusty road in a vestibule,

Stands the devil playing pocket pool.

 He's waiting for the next poor fool,

Who forgot that today was Sunday.




MY GOD...who write like this?  This guy is so freakin cool     


Posted 11 years ago by idiot_wind    [ Reply ]
Awwwwww, wasn't that cute!!  Total banality = 1
Posted 11 years ago by joelbb    [ Reply ]
I wish I had this song stuck in my head when I was working for a few bucks an hour at the gas station... Fine, fine stuff. Thank you John & Bill!
Posted 11 years ago by dirtbagpook    [ Reply ]
 Jim_Highfield wrote:
A happy song. If you're a miseryguts use the PSD button.

 
This is a goofy song, but I'm listening to it in its entirety to honour the poster who gave me a new epithet to use on my kids..."miseryguts".  Jim_Highfield, I salute you.
Posted 11 years ago by coccyx    [ Reply ]

6.6? Who are you people?


Posted 11 years ago by dig    [ Reply ]
I'm sorry, but I can't help but hearing "Thank God I'm A Country Boy" . . .
Posted 11 years ago by gillespp    [ Reply ]
A happy song. If you're a miseryguts use the PSD button.
Posted 11 years ago by Jim_Highfield    [ Reply ]
So many happy memories. Fantastic. {#Whistle}
Posted 11 years ago by dirtbagpook    [ Reply ]

{#Whistle}


Posted 12 years ago by Mari    [ Reply ]
on a shite day this helps me along... thank you Bill
Posted 12 years ago by arserocket    [ Reply ]
Thanks for playing. Reminds me of my late buddy Thomas Reed.  He loved John Prine.
Posted 12 years ago by Keef    [ Reply ]

{#Whistle}


Posted 12 years ago by Mari    [ Reply ]
thanks for pulling this one out of the vault. great way to take a serious monday morning and lighten the load for me. Thanks RP
Posted 12 years ago by jktravl    [ Reply ]
 Decoy wrote:

4->3 Wasn't quite long enough...
 
My oh my, this last year has flown by.  
Posted 12 years ago by Decoy    [ Reply ]
 tphord wrote:

Pretty sure it's a penny whistle


 
It's got to cost more than that nowadays.

Posted 12 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
Do they sing along to this in Kindergarten too?

Not for people that like more "mature" music.....

;)

 
Posted 12 years ago by ckcotton    [ Reply ]
This is Beez's theme song.
Posted 12 years ago by cc_rider    [ Reply ]
okay...apparently there was a run on Thank God I'm A Country Boy clone-a-longs before the 80's...
Posted 13 years ago by MiracleDrug    [ Reply ]
 fredriley wrote:

1. I couldn't give a monkey's about Brit folk singers.
2. I couldn't give a monkey's about awards.
3. I'm only half-Brit (and definitely don't identify myself as such).
4. This guy's got a voice even worse than his barnet* and moustache.

He may be the dog's bollox as a folk singer, but he makes my ears hurt in this number. Impressive barnet, though.

* Barnet Heir = hair
 

Fred,
Don't often feel the need to contradict you, but in my world, "barnet" is shorthand for Barnet Fair.

I do believe there's been a market there from the Dark Ages, he said as an aside.

Other than that, agreed.
Posted 13 years ago by TerryS    [ Reply ]
 ZedLeppelin wrote:
Never thought I'd say this: 1 => 5
 
Really never thought I'd say this: 1 => 5 => 9

Posted 13 years ago by ZedLeppelin    [ Reply ]
 Businessgypsy wrote:
Music aside, John Prine is one of the finest reflective poets of of our age.

 
Roger Miller is up there too.

Posted 13 years ago by cc_rider    [ Reply ]
If you're like me, you wonder what 50 cents an hour is in today's money.  Here's the conversion.

$1.67 in the year 2010 (the latest year available) has the same "purchase power" as $0.50 in the year 1978 (the year the album was released)

So yeah, that's worthy of complaint.

Posted 13 years ago by Nerubo    [ Reply ]

Joan Baez - Hello In There  

by John Prine.

"I love John Prine's version, but this version brings out new dimensions that I really appreciate. Joan Baez has such a strong and beautiful voice; she didn't have to make it up tempo to cover up as some artists might have had to do—it's simply a wise choice. Beautiful."      chibimie7

 


Posted 13 years ago by calypsus_1    [ Reply ]
 oilydwarf wrote:
IS THAT A SWANNY WHISTLE?!!
 
Pretty sure it's a penny whistle


Posted 13 years ago by tphord    [ Reply ]
John has written tons of brilliant songs in his career, some are so insightful as to bring tears, some are just for fun. This one is just for fun and feeling lighthearted. Every time I hear it I find myself whistling. 

Posted 13 years ago by tphord    [ Reply ]
IS THAT A SWANNY WHISTLE?!!
Posted 13 years ago by oilydwarf    [ Reply ]
 ColdMiser wrote:
I thought I was listening to Dan Zanes for a minute
 
{#Roflol}  Ha!

Posted 13 years ago by pmjett    [ Reply ]
I thought I was listening to Dan Zanes for a minute
Posted 13 years ago by ColdMiser    [ Reply ]
 Decoy wrote:
5->4 I remember the last time this played....not all that awful...but I could go awhile before I hear it again.
 
4->3 Wasn't quite long enough...
Posted 13 years ago by Decoy    [ Reply ]
 That_SOB wrote:
 

    Considering the quality of folk singer-songwriters coming out of the UK in the last 40 years I can understand your irritated opinion. You really don't have ANYTHING to compare with Grammy Award-winning John Prine. I can't think of a single Brit that was given a Lifetime Achievement Award for songwriting by the UK's BBC's Radio 2 and that same year inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, while receiving the Artist of the Year award at the Americana Music Awards on September 9, 2005. I suppose your bitter. Tis a bloody pity.......aye ?
 
1. I couldn't give a monkey's about Brit folk singers.
2. I couldn't give a monkey's about awards.
3. I'm only half-Brit (and definitely don't identify myself as such).
4. This guy's got a voice even worse than his barnet* and moustache.

He may be the dog's bollox as a folk singer, but he makes my ears hurt in this number. Impressive barnet, though.

* Barnet Heir = hair


Posted 13 years ago by fredriley    [ Reply ]
Music aside, John Prine is one of the finest reflective poets of of our age.

Posted 14 years ago by Businessgypsy    [ Reply ]

John Prine - Fish and Whistle, Live (2004)

2004 Philadelphia Folk Festival

"This song is absolutely amazing. John Prine gives the world amazing and funny songs." Radiohead1984

"Wow. John Prine was always on the periphery of my musical interests for some reason(I'm 51),but I just now "got him". Could it have been the record company "dudes" in retrospect ?? I think the mark of a great song is one that is simple but says what it wants to without a lot of fluff or "production". John makes many great songs. 'Course,what do I know,I'm crazy as a loon...(where's my Lithium and cigarettes...) "Rainman270

 




Posted 14 years ago by calypsus_1    [ Reply ]
I never thought I would hear this song on the radio — I'm so groggy at this hour I thought I'd accidentally put on my own music instead of RP.  

My Dad used to play this song on his guitar while we all sang around the living room.  Perfect for this weekend. :) 
Posted 14 years ago by nerakdon    [ Reply ]
I love John Prine, but this is giving me hives.
Posted 14 years ago by duchamp    [ Reply ]
How 'bout the Swimming Song from Anna and Kate McGarrigle?
Posted 14 years ago by Jeff09    [ Reply ]
Artists I know in real life get 9's, no exceptions!
Posted 14 years ago by james_of_tucson    [ Reply ]
Never thought I'd say this: 1 => 5
Posted 14 years ago by ZedLeppelin    [ Reply ]
 fredriley wrote:
A sucko-barfo from the very first sung note. I should really rate this 3 so that I can deduct 2 for the appalling barnet and lip rug.

  

    Considering the quality of folk singer-songwriters coming out of the UK in the last 40 years I can understand your irritated opinion. You really don't have ANYTHING to compare with Grammy Award-winning John Prine. I can't think of a single Brit that was given a Lifetime Achievement Award for songwriting by the UK's BBC's Radio 2 and that same year inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, while receiving the Artist of the Year award at the Americana Music Awards on September 9, 2005. I suppose your bitter. Tis a bloody pity.......aye ?

 


Posted 14 years ago by That_SOB    [ Reply ]
{#Puke}{#Puke}


Posted 14 years ago by namp    [ Reply ]
5->4 I remember the last time this played....not all that awful...but I could go awhile before I hear it again.
Posted 14 years ago by Decoy    [ Reply ]
A sucko-barfo from the very first sung note. I should really rate this 3 so that I can deduct 2 for the appalling barnet and lip rug.
Posted 14 years ago by fredriley    [ Reply ]
I think this dude is my physics professor.

Who knew?
Posted 15 years ago by ch83575    [ Reply ]
This is OK, but there's a nice ballad on this album "If you don't want my love" that is much better.
Posted 15 years ago by On_The_Beach    [ Reply ]
 dewhead wrote:

I don't know that I'd take a bullet for him... but I'd gladly listen to ANYTHING he wanted to sing!

 
same.

Posted 15 years ago by lily34    [ Reply ]

Just ate a delicious canned sockeye salmon sandwich.

 


Posted 15 years ago by westslope    [ Reply ]
 zurcronium wrote:
KOKE anyone in Austin Texas in the 70s?

Now that was great radio and Prine was a featured artist back then.
 
I remember KOKE! And K-98! oh the days of no Mopac and no traffic jams!

Posted 16 years ago by patrick_larson    [ Reply ]
 westslope wrote:
cvandoren, Are you familiar with Prine's repertoire? Beyond the 'acquired taste', I'll bet that there are a few listeners on RP who would take a bullet for John Prine. That sentiment may influence the ratings.
 
I don't know that I'd take a bullet for him... but I'd gladly listen to ANYTHING he wanted to sing!

Posted 16 years ago by dewhead    [ Reply ]
I always am glad to hear something from John Prine, every once in a while. I think he'd grate on me if I heard it too often, but the rare times I hear him I always crack a little smile at his quirky pleasantness.
Posted 16 years ago by gandalfbmg    [ Reply ]
 cvandoren wrote:
I am surprised only 20% of people rated this 5 or lower. IT seems really bad to me, like a kids song as someone else said. Is this an old song that brings back memories for everyone? Or am I just not hearing it?
 
It is pretty bad.

Posted 16 years ago by Excelsior    [ Reply ]
 cvandoren wrote:
I am surprised only 20% of people rated this 5 or lower. IT seems really bad to me, like a kids song as someone else said. Is this an old song that brings back memories for everyone? Or am I just not hearing it?
 

This stuff is from a time and a place.

I was there, but I'm like you —- I don't hear it either.
Posted 16 years ago by keller1    [ Reply ]
Is this a different (original?) cut of the theme for Juno? If so the Juno cut was much better.
Posted 16 years ago by jlind    [ Reply ]
 westslope wrote:
cvandoren, Are you familiar with Prine's repertoire? Beyond the 'acquired taste', I'll bet that there are a few listeners on RP who would take a bullet for John Prine. That sentiment may influence the ratings.
 
I would take a bullet for John Prine.  10

Posted 16 years ago by vonwienerhousen    [ Reply ]
cvandoren, Are you familiar with Prine's repertoire? Beyond the 'acquired taste', I'll bet that there are a few listeners on RP who would take a bullet for John Prine. That sentiment may influence the ratings.
Posted 16 years ago by westslope    [ Reply ]
I am surprised only 20% of people rated this 5 or lower. IT seems really bad to me, like a kids song as someone else said. Is this an old song that brings back memories for everyone? Or am I just not hearing it?
Posted 16 years ago by cvandoren    [ Reply ]
denmom wrote:
Oh, it's an old, old photo. Someday when you're old & creaky you'll find a picture of yourself looking young'n'dumb. We all do.
That is if we are lucky enough to live that long...... If there was such a thing as secular sainthood in the good ol' US of A, John Prine would be my first nomination. Prine put the Vietnam War into perspective for me better than any other artist or intellectual in the early 1970s.
Posted 16 years ago by westslope    [ Reply ]
ZedLeppelin wrote:
Best album cover. Ever.
Huh??
Posted 16 years ago by mlcarroll    [ Reply ]
prickelpit96 wrote:
Incredible..... He should kill his hair-'artist'.
Oh, it's an old, old photo. Someday when you're old & creaky you'll find a picture of yourself looking young'n'dumb. We all do.
Posted 16 years ago by denmom    [ Reply ]
jjbix wrote:
so what if it's john prine, the song is lame . . . . SOunds like a children's show song.
agreed...it sux.
Posted 16 years ago by Huey    [ Reply ]
anyone around here have a fish whistle?
Posted 16 years ago by lophrequa    [ Reply ]
KOKE anyone in Austin Texas in the 70s? Now that was great radio and Prine was a featured artist back then.
Posted 16 years ago by zurcronium    [ Reply ]
Just good fun to sing. Whee!
Posted 16 years ago by 2Hawks    [ Reply ]
Maybe finish off this "fish" set with "5lb Bass" by Robert Earl Keen.
Posted 16 years ago by oufason    [ Reply ]
jjbix wrote:
SOunds like a children's show song.
Reminds me of All I Want is You from the recent Juno movie... exact same tune. A lot of quirky little songs in that movie.
Posted 16 years ago by pigglywiggly    [ Reply ]
trallallalaallla....
Posted 16 years ago by quoett    [ Reply ]
The master has spoken - I here his call and I must follow - where's me rod mother? Oh, its in my hand...
Posted 16 years ago by arserocket    [ Reply ]
so what if it's john prine, the song is lame . . . . SOunds like a children's show song.
Posted 16 years ago by jjbix    [ Reply ]
Posted 16 years ago by Beez    [ Reply ]
heeeeeeeeere fishy fishy fishy fishy
Posted 16 years ago by jenakle    [ Reply ]
Incredible..... He should kill his hair-'artist'.
Posted 17 years ago by prickelpit96    [ Reply ]
I heard that he played this song for Andy Griffith once. Andy just rolled his eyes and walked on. It was when he was in that movie with Andy Griffith about 7 or 8 years ago.
Posted 17 years ago by Jack_Jefferson    [ Reply ]
slartibart_O wrote:
John Prine always has a look on his face like he's getting away with something.
somehow he's getting away with that hair.
Posted 17 years ago by themotion    [ Reply ]
Wow a Strawberry flashback.
Posted 17 years ago by wookie    [ Reply ]
Well that put me in a good mood.
Posted 17 years ago by canadave    [ Reply ]
Pretty cool performance by Prine on the 2005 Austin City Limits DVD.
Posted 17 years ago by DrCyKosis    [ Reply ]
John Prine always has a look on his face like he's getting away with something.
Posted 17 years ago by slartibart_O    [ Reply ]
aharamanx wrote:
I second that!
Posted 17 years ago by Kristi    [ Reply ]
John Prine rocks!!
Posted 17 years ago by Magnus    [ Reply ]
Zarba wrote:
Thankyouthankyouthankyou
Ditto!
Posted 19 years ago by Beez    [ Reply ]
Thankyouthankyouthankyou
Posted 19 years ago by Zarba    [ Reply ]
this song makes me so happy! thank you!
Posted 19 years ago by sugaree    [ Reply ]
Best album cover. Ever.
Posted 19 years ago by ZedLeppelin    [ Reply ]
<-- Smiling.
Posted 19 years ago by Filofox    [ Reply ]
GregK wrote:
agree
Disagree.
Posted 19 years ago by steeler    [ Reply ]
Beastie wrote:
Freaking awful song. Thank you very little.
agree
Posted 19 years ago by GregK    [ Reply ]
Quirky! But really fun. :daisy.gif: Am strongly fighting the urge to tap my foot, here.
Posted 19 years ago by Jessica    [ Reply ]
indypaul wrote:
What a wonderful surprise! An outstanding song from a great artist. More John Prine, please!!! 8O :highfive: :D
I listen to RP to expose myself to new music. This one'll have me increasing my Prine collection. Thanks!
Posted 19 years ago by PeteGriff    [ Reply ]
drH wrote:
The man is a national treasure. One need look no farther than this song to see why.
Used to be great when he and Steve Goodman would perform together.
Posted 19 years ago by steeler    [ Reply ]
I totally thought this was a Bob Dylan song in which Bob actually sang well. This is so much fun! yay!
Posted 19 years ago by smilestoomuch    [ Reply ]
Freaking awful song. Thank you very little.
Posted 19 years ago by Beastie    [ Reply ]