“Fishin’ Hole” is one of the most recognizable songs on TV as it was the theme song of the iconic The Andy Griffith Show. Its catchy whistled tune opens and closes every episode of the show. But, did you know that behind its whistled tune, the song originally had lyrics?
It was actually revealed that earlier before the show, Andy Griffith himself recorded a version of the song with lyrics. It was then decided by the producers of The Andy Griffith Show that the tune needed to be whistled in order for it to be catchy. “Fishin’ Hole” was actually conceived in just less than fifteen minutes by Earle Hagen and Herbert Spencer. However, Everett Sloane penned the rarely heard lyrics of the song. In addition, Sloane was also known for composing theme songs for The Dick Van Dyke Show, I Spy, and The Mod Squad.
On the other hand, Hagen and Spencer relayed that the simplicity of the song was intentional as a way to reflect the nature of The Andy Griffith Show.
“I realized what the show needed was a simple tune. So I spent all of 15 minutes writing it. I called my bass player and drummer, and we recorded it in a little studio in Hollywood. I whistled the tune myself.”
Obviously, it should come as no surprise that Andy Griffith is the rightful person who would sing the theme song. Much of The Andy Griffith Show plot revolved around music. It also included Andy lazily picking on his front porch every Sunday afternoon. Also, it also shows the infamous Darlin’ clan who lit up Mayberry with their backwoods bluegrass.
In case you’ve never heard Andy Griffith sing “Fishin’ Hole,” here’s the complete original lyrics of the tune:
And meet me at the fishing hole
We may not get a bite all day
But don’t you rush away
What a great place to rest your bones
And mighty fine for skipping stones
You’ll feel fresh as a lemonade a-setting in the shade
Oh what a spot for whistling like a fool
I can’t think of a better way to pass the time of day
When we get to the fishing hole
They’ll be you, me, and old dog, trey to do the time away
If we don’t hook a perch or bass
We’ll cool our toes in dewy grass
Or else pull up a weed to chaw
And maybe sit and jaw
Watching that hound a scratching at his fleas
And meet you at the fishing hole
I can’t think of a better way
To pass the time of day
Listen and check out Andy Griffith singing the lyrics of Fishin’ Hole:
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Andy Griffith, Fishin' Hole, The Andy Griffith Show