"Kettle of Fish" is one of a pair of irresistibly crunchy rockers (“People” and “Kettle of Fish”) featuring three founding members of Cheap Trick.
It’s followed by ‘Kettle Of Fish’, which is another sullen feeling song. Taylor Hawkins and Cheap Trick back him here, and it’s another number with a powerful lyrical message – on this occasion about the perils of modern life. Hunter reprises "YUI Orta" in the lyrics.
- Kettle Of Fish
Taylor Hawkins: Drums
Dane Clark: Drums and Snare Section
Tom Petersson: Bass
Robin Zander: Background Vocal
Rick Nielsen: Electric Rhythm and Lead Guitars
Steve Holley: Tambourine
Tommy Mandel: Organ
Andy York: Baritone Guitar, Background Vocal
Ian Hunter: Electric Guitar
The exact origin of "kettle of fish" as a metaphor for a difficult situation remains uncertain. However, there are two main theories:
Fish Guts and Confusion:
- This theory suggests the imagery of a kettle filled with fish being gutted and cleaned contributes to the meaning. The messy scene with entrails, scales, and assorted body parts visually represents a state of disorder and chaos.
Historical Practice:
- There's a less widely accepted theory suggesting a connection to an old Scottish custom. According to some sources, a social gathering called a "kettle of fish" involved boiling live salmon in kettles near the river Tweed.
- While the details are unclear, the act of throwing live fish into boiling water could be interpreted as a chaotic and unexpected event, potentially linking it to the expression's meaning.
Here's a summary of the two possibilities:
- Dominant Theory: The most commonly accepted explanation connects the expression to the messy and chaotic image of a kettle filled with fish being cleaned.
- Alternative Theory: A less certain theory links it to a specific historical practice in Scotland, although the exact connection is unclear.
It's important to note that the first documented use of the expression dates back to 1742.
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