About the song
“Fist City” is the twelfth studio album by American country music icon Loretta Lynn, released on April 15, 1968, by Decca Records. This album marks a notable moment in Lynn’s career, combining her powerful songwriting with deeply emotional performances.
Released during a period of significant success for Loretta Lynn, Fist City features a mix of compelling songs that showcase her unique style and emotional depth. The album was highly praised by critics upon its release. Billboard magazine’s review on May 4, 1968, described the album as “Country Soul,” praising Lynn for her ability to blend strong lyrics with intense emotion. The review particularly highlighted “You Never Were Mine” as a standout track that tugs at the heartstrings, labeling the album as “excellent.”
Similarly, Cashbox magazine’s review on April 27, 1968, lauded the album, noting its strong performance, particularly the hit single “Fist City.” The review praised Lynn’s heartfelt and sincere singing, calling her the “Queen of Country Music” and noting that she seemed to improve with each new release. The review highlighted several key tracks, including “Fist City,” “A Satisfied Mind,” “I Don’t Wanna Play House,” and “What Kind of a Girl (Do You Think I Am?)” as some of the best on the album.
The album was a commercial success, reaching the number one spot on the Billboard Hot Country LP chart. This achievement marked Fist City as Lynn’s second album to top this prestigious chart. The first single from the album, “What Kind of a Girl (Do You Think I Am),” was released in August 1967 and reached number five on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart. However, it was the title track, “Fist City,” released in January 1968, that truly resonated with audiences, climbing to number one on the country charts and becoming one of Lynn’s most memorable hits.
Recording Details:
Recording for Fist City began on January 9, 1968, at Bradley’s Barn in Mount Juliet, Tennessee. Additional recording sessions were held on March 21 and March 22, 1968. Notably, the track “What Kind of a Girl (Do You Think I Am)” was recorded during an earlier session on April 20, 1967, for Lynn’s previous album, Singin’ with Feelin’.
Fist City stands as a significant work in Loretta Lynn’s discography, celebrated for its blend of heartfelt lyrics and powerful performances. The album remains a testament to Lynn’s remarkable talent and her enduring impact on the world of country music.
Video
Lyrics
You’ve been making your brags around town that you’ve been 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 better close your face and stay out of 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 of the head and I’ll lift you off of the ground
I’m not a saint, my baby’s a saint ’cause he ain’t natty, won’t cat around with a kitty
I’m here to tell you, you gotta lay off of 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 a 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
If you don’t wanna go to Fist City you better detour around my town
‘Cause I’ll grab you by the hair of the head and I’ll lift you off of the ground
I’m not a saint, my baby’s a saint ’cause he ain’t natty, won’t cat around with a kitty
I’m here to tell you, you gotta lay off of my man if you don’t wanna go to Fist City
I’m here to tell you, you gotta lay off of my man if you don’t wanna go to Fist City