The Andy Griffith Show | Photo Credits: Netflix USA

“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:

Well, now, take down your fishin’ pole and meet me at The Fishin’ 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 skippin’ stones,

You’ll feel fresh as a lemonade, a-settin’ in the shade.

Whether it’s hot, whether it’s cool, oh what a spot for whistlin’ like a fool.

What a fine day to take a stroll and wander by The Fishin’ Hole,

I can’t think of a better way to pass the time o’ day.

We’ll have no need to call the roll when we get to The Fishin’ Hole,

There’ll be you, me, and Old Dog Trey, to doodle 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 set and jaw.

Hangin’ around, takin’ our ease, watchin’ that hound a-scratchin’ at his fleas.

Come on, take down your fishin’ pole and meet me at The Fishin’ Hole,

I can’t think of a better way to pass the time o’ day.

Listen and check out Andy Griffith singing the lyrics of Fishin’ Hole:

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