Meaning of "Fishing For Lisa" by The Feelers

The lyrics of "Fishing For Lisa" delve into themes of unreciprocated love and disappointment in a relationship. The speaker is portrayed as someone who believed their partner, Lisa, was their reason for living, but now finds themselves let down by her lack of investment in the relationship. The repetition of the phrase "I thought you were my reason to live" emphasizes the depth of the speaker's feelings and how integral Lisa was to their sense of purpose. The frustration and desperation in the lyrics reflect a sense of betrayal and hurt from unmet expectations. The speaker's questioning of when Lisa will wake up, acknowledge what is right in front of her, and give up suggests a longing for reciprocity and the desire for their partner to appreciate their worth before it is too late. Overall, the song captures the painful experience of loving someone who does not love you back in the same way.