When people think of television theme songs, the one that most quickly comes to mind is probably Fishin’ Hole, from The Andy Griffith Show. This catchy, whistled tune is memorable, but did you know it also has lyrics?
While the producers of the show eventually decided the tune should be whistled instead of sung, originally Andy Griffith himself lent his pipes to the theme. He even recorded a version of it with him singing.
This well known song was written in less than 15 minutes by Earle Hagen and Herbert Spencer, while the lyrics were penned by Everett Sloane. Sloane is known for several television theme songs, such as The Dick Van Dyke Show, I Spy, and The Mod Squad.
The writers of Fishin’ Hole intentionally kept the tune clean and simple. It was a way to reflect to overall feel of the show in the opening and closing credits. The Andy Griffith Show is a straightforward and feel good show about small town living.
“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,” said Hagen.
Watch Andy Griffith sing the lyrics to Fishin’ Hole in the video below! What did you think? Leave us a comment, we’d love to hear from you!
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