I’m glad to see one of my songs has made it onto a list over at the Guardian: Raw, romantic and radical: Joan Baez’s 20 greatest songs - ranked! Fishing came in at #18, between Gulf Winds and Barbara Allen. The latter takes me back to my first experience in front of a real audience in a real theater. It was a college performance of
Wow just wow, fishing has been one of my most loved songs of yours . As I come from three generations of avid “ fisherman “ . My grandfather developed some of montauk point NY in the late 40’s and beyond ( the now surf lodge , very hot spot now ) is located on fort pond my grandfather built it and was in operation for many years motel / restaurant right on the lake waterfront Giordano’s lakeside inn , it’s where I first fished with my brother Ralph ( a lot of Ralph’s in my family) and built “ the pizza village in town and homes in ditch plains where some of my cousins still live . my son and I fish the Hudson every year for striped bass , and anywhere there’s fish . But your song has a deeper meaning indeed , hope I get to see you in the NY area ☮️
These dangerous times call out for more songs like Fishing, and Che Guevara T-Shirt, and Fennario. They're hard songs to listen to, but beautiful in a dark way, and they inspire. Should any more of the like come bubbling up from your creative muse, I'd be really grateful. We really need them.
(Yesterday evening, one of our local radio stations played the original version of The President Sang Amazing Grace, performed by its composer, Zoe Mulford. That version's simplicity hits harder than Joan's more accomplished version, and I still weep every time I hear it. I really wish it wasn't still so relevant.)
Probably your best song, but then again most of them are your best. Nora is in my top as well. As a singer/songwriter I've been performing Fishing regularly for years. As you said it's probably more relevant today than ever, how sad we've become this monster!
Congrats on the listing. But - your version is more heartfelt. I fell in love with that song maybe 25 years ago when I listened to WERU in Maine. (Gosh has it been that long?) You performed it at The Left Bank Cafe, if I remember right. It tugged at my heart then, and even more so now. I saw you perform one or two more places, but that was the most memorable. It needs to be resurrected and back on the charts in 2025. With YOU singing it!
I prefer the quieter instrumentation of Richard's version, but man there is no escaping the power of those lyrics. It's probably mean to say you love something that is so sad, but I unashamedly do!
I love this song ……so beautifully executed by Joan Baez . However, like others here I prefer your own version ! I have it on ‘Blue Divide ‘ Congratulations on making the top 20 ! Well deserved !
P.s. Any plans in Maine? Happy to help facilitate if need be (you can add a house concert at our place near Acadia National Park, for instance). And if you're in Beacon April 20-23, we'll be back down in the Hudson Valley then.
Great song. Always hoping you’ll perform a song cycle of Fishing, Deportee and Che Guevara T-shirt. Perfect for the time we are living in.
I'll do just that on this tour. Thanks for planting the idea.
Please come back home to Port Washington at the Landmark.
If I'm out running and Che Guevara comes on my playlist I play it over and over before moving on. Love your suggestion.
I hope BPMs work for you! Or, like attorneys general, is it BsPM?
I actually did those as a medley back in my performing days.
That’s a great idea!
As happy as I am for your song to be ranked among her greatest songs, I still prefer your version.
The studio or live one?
Me too.
Yup. Richard's version. Sorry Joan. Richard's makes me THINK. Joan's makes me bounce along.
Agree
Wow just wow, fishing has been one of my most loved songs of yours . As I come from three generations of avid “ fisherman “ . My grandfather developed some of montauk point NY in the late 40’s and beyond ( the now surf lodge , very hot spot now ) is located on fort pond my grandfather built it and was in operation for many years motel / restaurant right on the lake waterfront Giordano’s lakeside inn , it’s where I first fished with my brother Ralph ( a lot of Ralph’s in my family) and built “ the pizza village in town and homes in ditch plains where some of my cousins still live . my son and I fish the Hudson every year for striped bass , and anywhere there’s fish . But your song has a deeper meaning indeed , hope I get to see you in the NY area ☮️
Thanks Gennaro. "Anywhere there's fish". That's a good line.
Always good to see a post from our lost boy down “sousth America way….” Please come visit McCabes again, soon….
These dangerous times call out for more songs like Fishing, and Che Guevara T-Shirt, and Fennario. They're hard songs to listen to, but beautiful in a dark way, and they inspire. Should any more of the like come bubbling up from your creative muse, I'd be really grateful. We really need them.
(Yesterday evening, one of our local radio stations played the original version of The President Sang Amazing Grace, performed by its composer, Zoe Mulford. That version's simplicity hits harder than Joan's more accomplished version, and I still weep every time I hear it. I really wish it wasn't still so relevant.)
Sorry Richard, I prefer your version…….
Probably your best song, but then again most of them are your best. Nora is in my top as well. As a singer/songwriter I've been performing Fishing regularly for years. As you said it's probably more relevant today than ever, how sad we've become this monster!
Congrats on the listing. But - your version is more heartfelt. I fell in love with that song maybe 25 years ago when I listened to WERU in Maine. (Gosh has it been that long?) You performed it at The Left Bank Cafe, if I remember right. It tugged at my heart then, and even more so now. I saw you perform one or two more places, but that was the most memorable. It needs to be resurrected and back on the charts in 2025. With YOU singing it!
I prefer the quieter instrumentation of Richard's version, but man there is no escaping the power of those lyrics. It's probably mean to say you love something that is so sad, but I unashamedly do!
Beautiful song, wonderful cover.
One of my favorites.
Glad for you she sang it. It’s a beautiful song. Love your version more.
Great songs have a habit of being covered by other artists. It's recognition of a job well done.
I love this song ……so beautifully executed by Joan Baez . However, like others here I prefer your own version ! I have it on ‘Blue Divide ‘ Congratulations on making the top 20 ! Well deserved !
Richard, your writing here was/is dark magic - the inhumanity and humanity intertwined in this scene. Glad the song is making the rounds again in the age of ICE and Trump. Folks might want to read this fine dissection of "Fishing" and Woody Guthrie's "Deportee" for more: https://jeffhankinsblog.wordpress.com/2015/09/08/deportee-by-woody-guthrie-and-fishing-by-richard-shindell/
P.s. Any plans in Maine? Happy to help facilitate if need be (you can add a house concert at our place near Acadia National Park, for instance). And if you're in Beacon April 20-23, we'll be back down in the Hudson Valley then.
Hi Andy. I had not seen that piece. It's very well done. Thanks for posting.
Couldn’t resist amplifying your post. Couple more thoughts here. https://revkin.substack.com/p/a-1994-song-about-the-interrogation
I've thought about your song a lot the last couple of months...