Song written and recorded by Loretta Lynn, was recorded on January 9, 1968, at Bradley’s Barn, Mt. Juliet, Tennessee, US. Recorded for the Decca label, with the production of Owen Bradley. It was released on February 12, 1968, the song would reach number one of the country charts USA, on April 20, 1968, it would be 17 weeks on the list, it would be his second number one of his career. He also reached number one on the country charts of Canada. The song would be included on the album of the same name, Fist city (Decca 1968), the album also reached number one on the US Hot Country LP lists. Loretta would re-record fist city, for her album, Full Circle ( Legacy 2016 ).
Lynn wrote “Fist City” in response to a woman who began filtering with her husband, Doolittle, while Lynn was on tour frequently in Tennessee. The Lynns’ marriage was often very hectic and stormy; He kicked her out of the house early in the relationship, apparently because of her bad cooking. However, Lynn discovered that she was seeing a woman she had been involved with before and blamed Lynn for driving her away.
Versions:
Warner Mack 1968 (Decca)
Ruthie and The Wranglers 1998 (Lasso Records)
The Corn Sisters 2000 (Mint Records)
The Meat Purveyors 2006 (Bloodshot Records)
The Little Willies 2012 (Milking Bull Records)
Loretta Lynn 2016 (Legacy)
Loretta Lynn – Fist City Lyrics
[Verse 1]
You’ve been making your brags around town
That you’ve been a loving my man
But the man I love
When he picks up trash
He puts it in a garbage can
And that’s what you look like to me
And what I see is a pity
You’d better close your face and stay out of my way
If you don’t wanta go to Fist City
[Chorus]
If you don’t wanna go to Fist City
You’d better detour round my town
Cause I’ll grab you by the hair of your head
And I’ll lift you off of the ground
I’m not a sayin’ my baby is a saint cause he ain’t
And that he won’t cat around with a kitty
I’m here to tell you gal to lay off of my man
If you don’t wanna go to Fist City
[Verse 2]
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 too cute or witty
You better move your feet if you don’t wanna eat
A meal that’s called Fist City
[Chorus]
If you don’t wanna go to Fist City
You’d better detour round my town
Cause I’ll grab you by the hair of your head
And I’ll lift you off of the ground
I’m not a sayin’ my baby is a saint cause he ain’t
And that he won’t cat around with a kitty
I’m here to tell you gal to lay off of my man
If you don’t wanna go to Fist City