About the song
“Fist City” is the twelfth solo studio album by the legendary American country music singer-songwriter Loretta Lynn. Released on April 15, 1968, by Decca Records, this album is a testament to Lynn’s formidable talent and her uncompromising stance as a leading voice in country music. The album is notable not just for its chart success but also for its bold themes and emotionally charged performances.
Upon its release, “Fist City” received strong critical acclaim. In the May 4, 1968 issue of Billboard magazine, the album was praised for its potent lyrics and intense emotion, earning the label of “county soul.” The review highlighted the track “You Never Were Mine” as a particularly moving piece, underscoring Lynn’s ability to convey deep emotional truths through her music. Similarly, the April 27, 1968 issue of Cashbox lauded the album as a “powerhouse effort,” predicting its quick rise on the charts. The review emphasized Lynn’s warm and sincere singing, which had solidified her status as the “uncontested Queen of Country Music.” Specific tracks such as “Fist City,” “A Satisfied Mind,” “I Don’t Wanna Play House,” and “What Kind of a Girl (Do You Think I Am?)” were singled out as standout songs.
The album lived up to these expectations, peaking at No. 1 on the US Billboard Hot Country LP’s chart. This marked Lynn’s second album to achieve this distinction, further cementing her influence and popularity in the country music scene. The chart-topping success of “Fist City” showcased Lynn’s continued relevance and her ability to connect with audiences through her powerful storytelling and authentic performances.
“Fist City” features two notable singles that contributed to its success. The first single, “What Kind of a Girl (Do You Think I Am),” was released in August 1967 and reached No. 5 on the US Billboard Hot Country Singles chart. This song set the stage for the album’s second single, “Fist City,” released in January 1968. “Fist City” quickly climbed to No. 1 on the chart, becoming Lynn’s second No. 1 hit. The song’s bold and assertive lyrics, coupled with Lynn’s spirited delivery, made it an anthem of female empowerment and a defining moment in her career.
The recording sessions for “Fist City” began on January 9, 1968, at Bradley’s Barn in Mount Juliet, Tennessee. Two additional sessions followed on March 21 and March 22 of the same year. Notably, “What Kind of a Girl (Do You Think I Am)” was recorded during an earlier session on April 20, 1967, for the album “Singin’ with Feelin’.”
“Fist City” stands as a powerful declaration of Loretta Lynn’s artistic vision and her fearless approach to country music. Through its memorable tracks and Lynn’s commanding performances, the album captures the spirit of resilience and strength that has defined her career. It remains a significant work in Lynn’s discography, reflecting her enduring impact on the genre and her unwavering commitment to telling the stories of her life and the lives of women everywhere.
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