The song lyrics were written by the band Van Halen, as they were asked to write a song for the 1979 movie "Over the Edge" starring Matt Dillon. The movie (and the lyrics, although more obliquely) are about bored, rebellious youth with nothing better to do than get into trouble. If you see the movie, these lyrics will make more sense. It's a great movie if you grew up in the 70s/80s you'll definitely remember some of these characters from your own life. Fun fact, after writing the song, Van Halen decided not to let the movie use it.
Woke up this morning
Wanting to cry
Then I remember
Yes I know why
She's a real good one for having her cake
I'm gonna go fishing or jump in the lake
Yeah, I'm gonna go fishing
That's what I'll do
Think about nothing
Not even you
Catch a real big one, a big speckled trout
Snapping in the water I'll pull him on out
Sweet talking liar
Spin me a yarn
Tell me a story
Big as a barn
Don't stop listening I won't hear you out
I'm gonna go fishing and catch me a trout
If a gal is a liar
A gal is a fool
Playing for keepers
and breaking the rules
She'll be the loser, yet to find out
I'm gonna go fishing and catch me a trout
Here in the water
Look at him shine
There goes a big one
That one is mine
Catch up the reel now, I've got the feel now
Hooked onto my fly rod I've got me a trout
Sweet talking liar
You're in for a fall
You tell me a story
You cut to the wall
Don't go my way, I'm down the highway
I'm gonna go fishing...
Yes I'm gonna go fishing...
Yes I'm gonna go fishing and get me some trout
Wanting to cry
Then I remember
Yes I know why
She's a real good one for having her cake
I'm gonna go fishing or jump in the lake
Yeah, I'm gonna go fishing
That's what I'll do
Think about nothing
Not even you
Catch a real big one, a big speckled trout
Snapping in the water I'll pull him on out
Sweet talking liar
Spin me a yarn
Tell me a story
Big as a barn
Don't stop listening I won't hear you out
I'm gonna go fishing and catch me a trout
If a gal is a liar
A gal is a fool
Playing for keepers
and breaking the rules
She'll be the loser, yet to find out
I'm gonna go fishing and catch me a trout
Here in the water
Look at him shine
There goes a big one
That one is mine
Catch up the reel now, I've got the feel now
Hooked onto my fly rod I've got me a trout
Sweet talking liar
You're in for a fall
You tell me a story
You cut to the wall
Don't go my way, I'm down the highway
I'm gonna go fishing...
Yes I'm gonna go fishing...
Yes I'm gonna go fishing and get me some trout
Lyrics submitted by SongMeanings
I'm Gonna Go Fishin Lyrics as written by Lee Ellington
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
Add your thoughts
Log in now to tell us what you think this song means.
Don’t have an account? Create an account with SongMeanings to post comments, submit lyrics, and more. It’s super easy, we promise!
More Featured Meanings
Light Up The Sky
Van Halen
Van Halen
Standing On The Edge Of Summer
Thursday
Thursday
In regards to the meaning of this song:
Before a live performance on the EP Five Stories Falling, Geoff states “It’s about the last time I went to visit my grandmother in Columbus, and I saw that she was dying and it was the last time I was going to see her. It is about realizing how young you are, but how quickly you can go.”
That’s the thing about Geoff and his sublime poetry, you think it’s about one thing, but really it’s about something entirely different. But the lyrics are still universal and omnipresent, ubiquitous, even. So relatable. That’s one thing I love about this band. I also love their live performances, raw energy and Geoff’s beautiful, imperfectly perfect vocals. His voice soothes my aching soul.
Cajun Girl
Little Feat
Little Feat
Overall about difficult moments of disappointment and vulnerability. Having hope and longing, while remaining optimistic for the future. Encourages the belief that with each new morning there is a chance for things to improve.
The chorus offers a glimmer of optimism and a chance at a resolution and redemption in the future.
Captures the rollercoaster of emotions of feeling lost while loving someone who is not there for you, feeling let down and abandoned while waiting for a lover. Lost with no direction, "Now I'm up in the air with the rain in my hair, Nowhere to go, I can go anywhere"
The bridge shows signs of longing and a plea for companionship. The Lyrics express a desire for authentic connection and the importance of Loving someone just as they are. "Just in passing, I'm not asking. That you be anyone but you”
Dreamwalker
Silent Planet
Silent Planet
I think much like another song “Anti-Matter” (that's also on the same album as this song), this one is also is inspired by a horrifying van crash the band experienced on Nov 3, 2022. This, much like the other track, sounds like it's an extension what they shared while huddled in the wreckage, as they helped frontman Garrett Russell stem the bleeding from his head wound while he was under the temporary effects of a concussion. The track speaks of where the mind goes at the most desperate & desolate of times, when it just about slips away to all but disconnect itself, and the aftermath.
Just A Little Lovin'
Dusty Springfield
Dusty Springfield
I don't think it's necessarily about sex. It's about wanting to start the day with some love and affection. Maybe a warm cuddle. I'm not alone in interpreting it that way! For example:
"'Just a Little Lovin’ is a timeless country song originally recorded by Eddy Arnold in 1954. The song, written by Eddie Miller and Jimmy Campbell, explores the delicate nuances of love and showcases Arnold’s emotive vocals. It delves into the universal theme of love and how even the smallest gesture of affection can have a profound impact on our lives." https://oldtimemusic.com/the-meaning-behind-the-song-just-a-little-lovin-by-eddy-arnold/