From shimmering scales to ocean depths, fish have inspired musicians across every genre imaginable. Whether it’s the haunting loneliness of aquatic life or the explosive energy of swimming against the current, these aquatic creatures have given us some seriously memorable tracks. I’ve spent countless hours diving through catalogs—both mainstream and underground—to bring you the definitive collection of fish-themed anthems that’ll have you hooked from first listen.
“Something in the Way” by Nirvana
Kurt Cobain’s haunting meditation on isolation features one of rock’s most famous fish references. Recorded during the Nevermind sessions in 1991, this stripped-down track supposedly references Cobain living under a bridge and surviving on fish. The minimal production—just acoustic guitar and Cobain’s whispered vocals—creates an underwater atmosphere that feels suffocating yet strangely beautiful. Producer Butch Vig captured something raw here, with the cello added later giving it that drowning, sinking feeling that perfectly mirrors the song’s aquatic imagery.
“Octopus’s Garden” by The Beatles
Ringo Starr penned this whimsical tune after a boat trip where he learned that octopuses create gardens from shiny objects they collect. Released on Abbey Road in 1969, it’s pure joy translated into music—George Harrison’s guitar work bubbles like underwater currents while Ringo’s vocals radiate childlike wonder. The production by George Martin includes actual bubbling sounds and layered harmonies that transport you beneath the waves. It’s become a staple for showcasing how the Beatles could make even the simplest concept feel magical through exceptional audio production quality.
“Fishing Blues” by Taj Mahal
This 1968 blues standard captures the meditative rhythm of fishing with slide guitar that mimics casting lines into still water. Taj Mahal’s gravelly voice and the song’s lazy tempo create the perfect soundtrack for lazy afternoons by the river. The National steel guitar work is absolutely mesmerizing—you can practically feel the sun on your back and the tug on your line. Originally written by Henry Thomas in the 1920s, Taj Mahal’s interpretation brings new life to this Americana classic while respecting its folk roots.
“Barracuda” by Heart
Ann Wilson unleashes pure rock fury on this 1977 monster hit that uses the predatory fish as a metaphor for music industry sharks. The opening guitar riff by Nancy Wilson is one of rock’s most recognizable intros—aggressive, sharp, and ready to bite. Recorded at Mushroom Records during a period of label disputes, the song channels genuine anger into explosive energy. The production is crisp and powerful, with Ann’s vocal performance ranging from seductive whispers to full-throated roars that showcase why Heart dominated ’70s rock radio.
“Come On Eileen” by Dexys Midnight Runners
Wait, what? This 1982 new wave hit doesn’t seem fish-related until you realize Kevin Rowland wrote it while thinking about “poor old Johnny Ray” who “sounded sad upon the radio” but moved a million hearts—like fish swimming together. The fiddle-driven arrangement and Celtic influences create movement that mirrors schools of fish darting through water. It topped charts globally and remains a wedding reception staple, proving that sometimes the best fish songs don’t announce themselves explicitly but swim beneath the surface of the lyrics.
“The Dolphins” by Fred Neil
This 1966 folk masterpiece inspired multiple covers but Neil’s original remains definitive. His impossibly deep baritone voice drifts over fingerpicked guitar like a dolphin gliding through calm seas. Though dolphins aren’t technically fish, Neil’s ecological message and oceanic imagery earned this track its place in aquatic music history. The sparse production lets every note breathe, creating space that feels as vast as the ocean itself. When listening through quality earbuds, you’ll catch the subtle room ambience that makes this recording feel intimate yet expansive.
“Rock Lobster” by The B-52’s
This 1978 new wave explosion is pure chaos in the best possible way—Kate Pierson and Cindy Wilson’s vocals dart around like tropical fish while Fred Schneider shouts out various sea creatures. The guitar work by Ricky Wilson (RIP) uses unconventional tunings that create angular, jumpy rhythms mimicking crustacean movement. Producer Chris Blackwell captured the band’s live energy perfectly, making this simultaneously ridiculous and absolutely brilliant. It’s become a cultural touchstone, proving that fish songs can be weird, wild, and completely unforgettable.
“Fishin’ in the Dark” by Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
Country radio embraced this 1987 hit that uses fishing as a romantic metaphor. The laid-back production and Jeff Hanna’s smooth vocals create the perfect mood for summer evenings by the water. Wendy Waldman and Jim Photoglo wrote this with impeccable commercial instincts—it’s catchy without being cloying, romantic without being sappy. The instrumental break features tasteful guitar work that evokes peaceful water reflections, and the song has become a bonafide country standard, covered by everyone from Garth Brooks to various bluegrass ensembles.
“Salmon Song” by The Amorphous Androgynous
This 2008 electronic journey transforms the life cycle of salmon into a psychedelic experience. Garry Cobain and Brian Dougans layer synthesizers like ocean currents, building and releasing tension that mirrors salmon swimming upstream. At over seven minutes, it’s an epic that rewards patient listeners with evolving textures and unexpected melodic turns. The production is absolutely immaculate—every sound has space while contributing to the overall aquatic atmosphere. It’s proof that fish-themed music can be genuinely experimental and artistically ambitious.
“Three Little Fishies” by Kay Kyser
This 1939 novelty hit might seem dated, but it was a massive chart-topper that showcased pre-rock pop’s playful side. Kyser’s big band arrangement swings hard while the lyrics tell the tale of three fish swimming “over the dam.” The vocal delivery—complete with baby talk—defined an era of entertainment when songs could be unabashedly silly and still dominate the airwaves. Modern listeners might find it campy, but the musicianship is impeccable, with tight horn sections and precise rhythmic execution that reveals the technical excellence of swing-era arrangers.
“Gone Fishin'” by Bing Crosby and Louis Armstrong
When two legends collaborate, magic happens. This 1951 duet radiates laid-back charm as Crosby’s smooth crooning meshes perfectly with Armstrong’s gravelly warmth. The arrangement features gentle horns and a walking bass line that suggests leisurely mornings on the water. Both vocalists sound genuinely relaxed, trading lines with the chemistry of old friends sharing stories. The recording quality captures the intimacy of the session, making listeners feel like they’re sitting in the studio watching two masters work.
“Trout Mask Replica” by Captain Beefheart
The title track from Beefheart’s 1969 avant-garde masterpiece is intentionally challenging—dissonant guitars, abstract lyrics, and Don Van Vliet’s distinctive howl create something that barely resembles conventional music. Producer Frank Zappa captured the Magic Band’s rehearsed chaos in a way that sounds simultaneously amateur and impossibly complex. It’s not easy listening by any standard, but it’s influential beyond measure, showing how fish imagery can inspire genuinely experimental art. The polyrhythmic guitar parts still confound musicians today trying to decode Beefheart’s vision.
“Fins” by Jimmy Buffett
Buffett’s 1979 shark warning disguised as a beach party anthem has become a Parrothead essential. The calypso-influenced rhythm and Buffett’s conversational vocal style create that signature laid-back vibe he’s famous for. Lyrically, it’s a cautionary tale about predatory men at bars, using shark imagery to humorous effect. The guitar work is deceptively sophisticated beneath the breezy surface, and the song’s popularity at live shows—complete with audience members wearing foam shark fins—proves Buffett’s genius for creating communal experiences.
“Jellyfish” by Caroline Polachek
This 2023 art-pop gem showcases Polachek’s ability to transform aquatic imagery into emotional complexity. The production by Polachek and Danny L Harle features crystalline synths that shimmer like bioluminescent jellyfish, while her angelic vocals drift through the mix with ethereal grace. The bridge section builds to an unexpected crescendo that feels like being swept away by ocean currents. It’s become a favorite among music enthusiasts who appreciate detailed production, revealing new layers with each listen.
“Big Fish” by Vince Staples
Staples’ 2015 track from Summertime ’06 uses fish metaphors to discuss survival in Long Beach’s dangerous waters. Producer Clams Casino creates a menacing, sparse beat that sounds like industrial runoff contaminating the ocean. Vince’s rapid-fire delivery and unflinching lyrics about street life create uncomfortable tension—this isn’t a fun fish song but rather a stark examination of predatory environments. The bass hits like underwater pressure, and Vince’s vocal performance is technically flawless, riding the beat with precise timing while delivering heavy content.
“Catfish Blues” by Muddy Waters
This 1951 blues cornerstone defines Chicago blues guitar. Muddy’s slide work on this track influenced generations of rock musicians, from Eric Clapton to Jack White. The lyrics reference catfish as slang and metaphor, delivered with Muddy’s commanding vocal presence that made him a legend. Willie Dixon’s bass work anchors the rhythm while Little Walter’s harmonica cuts through like a knife. The Chess Records production is raw but effective, capturing the electricity of Muddy’s amplified sound that revolutionized blues music forever.
“Fisherman’s Blues” by The Waterboys
Mike Scott’s 1988 Celtic folk-rock anthem captures the romantic ideal of simple living by the sea. The fiddle work by Steve Wickham is absolutely gorgeous, weaving Irish traditional melodies through rock instrumentation. Scott’s vocals are passionate and yearning, expressing a genuine desire to escape modern life for fishing village simplicity. The production balances folk authenticity with rock energy, creating something that sounds both timeless and specific to its late-’80s moment. It remains The Waterboys’ signature song, beloved by fans for its sincerity and musical craftsmanship.
“Shark Smile” by Big Thief
From their 2022 album Dragon New Warm Mountain I Believe in You, this track showcases Adrianne Lenker’s poetic lyrics and the band’s dynamic range. The arrangement builds from acoustic intimacy to electric intensity, with the rhythm section of Max Oleartchik and James Krivchenia creating oceanic movement beneath Lenker’s vocals. Producer Andrew Sarlo captured the band’s live energy while maintaining clarity that lets each instrument breathe. The shark imagery serves as metaphor for dangerous attraction, delivered with Lenker’s signature vulnerability that makes every word feel deeply personal.
“The Salmon Dance” by The Chemical Brothers
This 2007 electronic banger samples comedian Michael Palin discussing salmon, transforming nature documentary footage into a club anthem. The Brothers’ production is characteristically massive—filtered synths, punchy drums, and that absurd vocal sample create something simultaneously hilarious and genuinely danceable. It’s proof that fish songs can dominate dancefloors when handled by producers who understand both humor and serious beat construction. The track went top 40 in the UK, showing mainstream audiences were ready for aquatic weirdness when packaged with expert production.
“Wade in the Water” by Various Artists (Traditional Spiritual)
This traditional African-American spiritual uses water and fish imagery to encode messages about escaping slavery via underground railroads. Countless artists from Ella Jenkins to Mary Mary have recorded it, each bringing different interpretations. The song’s simple melody allows for endless variations while maintaining its powerful message about freedom and survival. The aquatic imagery served dual purposes—literal instructions about evading capture and spiritual metaphors about baptism and rebirth. Its influence on American music cannot be overstated, appearing in folk, gospel, blues, and even rock contexts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a song about fish musically interesting?
Fish-themed songs succeed when artists use aquatic imagery to explore deeper themes—isolation, freedom, predation, or survival—while crafting memorable melodies and production that evokes water’s movement. The best examples like Nirvana’s “Something in the Way” or Heart’s “Barracuda” use fish as metaphor rather than novelty, creating emotional resonance that transcends the literal subject matter. Production techniques like reverb, delay, and flowing arrangements help create that underwater atmosphere that makes these songs feel cohesive thematically.
Are there modern artists still writing songs about fish?
Absolutely! Contemporary artists like Caroline Polachek, Big Thief, and Vince Staples continue finding fresh approaches to aquatic themes. Electronic producers particularly love fish imagery because water sounds naturally inspire synthesizer experimentation. The environmental movement has also sparked renewed interest in ocean-themed music, with artists using fish and marine life to discuss ecological concerns in ways that feel urgent and relevant to current events.
Why do blues artists reference catfish so frequently?
Catfish appears in blues lyrics as both literal subject and metaphorical device. In the Mississippi Delta where blues originated, catfish were dietary staples, making them natural lyrical material for working-class musicians. Additionally, catfish became slang for various concepts in blues culture—deception, sexuality, and survival. The bottom-feeding nature of catfish made them perfect symbols for discussing poverty and struggle, themes central to blues music’s emotional core.
What’s the connection between psychedelic rock and fish imagery?
Psychedelic artists gravitated toward fish and ocean imagery because underwater environments naturally suggest altered consciousness and dreamlike states. The flowing, unpredictable movement of fish mirrors the improvisational nature of psychedelic music, while coral reefs and ocean depths provided colorful visual inspiration for album artwork and stage design. Bands like The Amorphous Androgynous and early Pink Floyd used aquatic themes to explore consciousness expansion through both lyrics and production techniques.
Can instrumental tracks count as fish songs?
Definitely! Many instrumental pieces evoke aquatic environments through musical choices alone—fluid melodies, wave-like dynamics, and production techniques that suggest submersion. Classical composers like Debussy wrote pieces like “Poissons d’or” (Goldfish) that musically represent fish movement without words. Jazz artists have long used fish titles for compositions, relying on musical impressionism to convey underwater atmospheres. The absence of lyrics sometimes allows even more creative freedom in representing aquatic life through pure sound.