pinback’s “Penelope” Still Reigns Supreme in the World of Goldfish Ballads
Table of Contents
- 1. pinback’s “Penelope” Still Reigns Supreme in the World of Goldfish Ballads
- 2. San Diego Celebrates: “Penelope” Nets Another Win
- 3. A Song’s Impact: More Than Just Music
- 4. The Opposition: Petco’s Profits vs. Fish Welfare
- 5. Looking Ahead: Skinks and Future Anthems
- 6. Goldfish Care: A Brief Guide
- 7. What inspired Armistead Burwell Smith IV to write a song about a Red-Eyed Crocodile Skink?
- 8. Interview: Armistead Burwell Smith IV on “Penelope” and Goldfish Ballads
A deep dive into the unlikely hit song, its impact on goldfish awareness, and the controversy surrounding its message.
Published: 2025-04-02
San Diego Celebrates: “Penelope” Nets Another Win
SAN DIEGO— The indie rock band Pinback is basking in the glow of victory, having once again secured the title of “Best Song About Goldfish Ownership.” This prestigious award, bestowed by the American Fishkeepers Federation, highlights the song’s enduring appeal and its surprisingly meaningful contribution to the world of aquatic pet care.
“Ecstatic is an understatement. I can’t believe we pulled it off again this year,but it turns out not a single other band on the planet is focusing their creative energy towards songs about goldfish. I’m running out of room in my trophy case,” exclaimed Armistead Burwell Smith IV, the band member whose brief experience with a goldfish named Penelope sparked the song’s creation. He vividly recalls the song’s genesis: “I remember the exact day we came up with the song. It was September 12th, 2001. The Twin Towers had just collapsed, America was on edge, and nobody knew what would happen next. That’s when I looked at my fishbowl and saw Penelope floating there, and I knew at that moment this was an even greater tragedy that we had to write about.”
The impact of “Penelope” extends far beyond the realm of indie rock, touching upon the crucial, frequently enough overlooked, aspects of responsible pet ownership.
A Song’s Impact: More Than Just Music
Ted Rouse, Director of the American Fishkeepers Federation, emphasizes the practical value of Pinback’s unlikely hit, framing it as “a valuable tool for goldfish owners.”
dropsy is no laughing matter. Educating fish owners about this terrible affliction is the best way to keep tanks clean and fish healthy. ‘Penelope’ is a tragic song about a fish cut down in its prime. Just thinking about poor Penelope makes me tear up a little.But thankfully she did not die in vain. It’s unachievable to calculate how many goldfish have been saved because of that song, but I’d estimate it’s at least two dozen. I’ve been trying to convince the band to write a follow-up song that addresses polycystic kidney disease and they keep telling me they are working on it. I’ve been waiting 15 years already so I assume the song is going to be amazing once it’s done.
Dropsy, a common and often fatal ailment in goldfish, is characterized by fluid accumulation, leading to a swollen appearance.Rouse’s statement underscores the importance of early detection and proper care, elements subtly woven into the narrative of “Penelope”. The song, through its melancholic melody and evocative lyrics, serves as a memorable reminder of the fragility of these aquatic companions.
The song’s success highlights a growing trend: using creative mediums to educate the public about animal welfare. similar approaches have been adopted in campaigns promoting responsible dog ownership (curbing barking and cleaning after pets), cat adoption (highlighting the joy of pet ownership), and even conservation efforts (raising awareness about endangered species). The power of art to connect emotionally and drive behavioral change should not be underestimated.
The Opposition: Petco’s Profits vs. Fish Welfare
Not everyone is celebrating “penelope’s” continued success. Joel D. Anderson, CEO of Petco, views the song as a threat to the company’s bottom line. His candid admission reveals a conflict between profit motives and ethical considerations.
This song cuts into our bottom line. We don’t want fish owners to no about common afflictions that befall fish. We want them to buy fish, have them die, and then buy more fish. It might sound heartless, but that’s capitalism for you. I’ve lobbied Spotify and YouTube to get the song removed. I’ve bought up old copies of ‘Blue Screen Life’ and burnt them in a trash can in my backyard. Once ‘Penelope’ is gone then I expect Petco profits to skyrocket.
Anderson’s stance raises ethical questions about corporate duty and the potential for businesses to prioritize profits over animal welfare. His alleged attempts to suppress “Penelope” highlight the challenges faced by advocates seeking to promote responsible pet ownership in a market driven by consumerism.
This situation echoes similar controversies in other industries. For example, the debate surrounding fast fashion often pits consumer access to affordable clothing against concerns about worker exploitation and environmental damage. Similarly, the agricultural industry grapples with balancing food production with animal welfare and environmental sustainability. “Penelope’s” story serves as a microcosm of these larger societal debates.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has strict guidelines against deceptive advertising and unfair business practices. If anderson’s actions are proven, Petco could face legal repercussions for attempting to mislead consumers about fish care and suppress information that could benefit pet owners.
Looking Ahead: Skinks and Future Anthems
Despite the controversy, Pinback remains focused on their music and their unique niche. The band hopes “to piggyback off the success of ‘Penelope’ by writing a song about a Red-Eyed Crocodile Skink a family friend received as a birthday gift.” This pivot suggests a continued commitment to exploring the lives and experiences of less conventional pets.
The prospect of a song about a Red-Eyed Crocodile Skink opens up new avenues for education and awareness. These engaging reptiles, native to New Guinea, require specific care and attention. A song highlighting their needs could help potential owners make informed decisions and avoid unintentionally contributing to the exotic pet trade’s negative impacts.
Goldfish Care: A Brief Guide
| Issue | Description | Prevention/Treatment |
|---|---|---|
| Dropsy | Swelling due to fluid accumulation. | Maintain clean water, quarantine affected fish, consider antibiotic treatment. |
| Polycystic Kidney Disease | Cysts form on the kidneys, impairing function. | No cure; focus on supportive care to minimize stress and maintain water quality. |
| Poor Water Quality | High levels of ammonia, nitrites, or nitrates. | Regular water changes, proper filtration, avoid overfeeding. |
What inspired Armistead Burwell Smith IV to write a song about a Red-Eyed Crocodile Skink?
Interview: Armistead Burwell Smith IV on “Penelope” and Goldfish Ballads
INTERVIEWER: Archyde News Editor
INTRODUCTION
Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Armistead Burwell Smith IV, the mastermind behind the indie rock hit “Penelope” by Pinback, which has once again taken home the coveted “Best Song About Goldfish ownership” award. Armistead, welcome to Archyde and congratulations on your continued success!
INTERVIEW
Archyde News editor: Armistead, “Penelope” has become a cultural touchstone. What do you think is the secret to the song’s enduring appeal in the world of goldfish ballads?
Armistead Burwell Smith IV: Well, I think it’s the global themes, right? Loss, the fragility of life…and, of course, the captivating allure of the goldfish as a subject matter. Seriously though, I think it’s the message of empathy towards all living creatures, big or small. and I have to admit,it really feels amazing to have the song resonate with people year after year,especially among goldfish owners.
Archyde News Editor: The song’s impact extends beyond music, with many fishkeepers citing it as a key piece of education around goldfish care. Did you anticipate this,and how does it feel for you as a songwriter?
Armistead Burwell Smith IV: Absolutely not! I wrote the song on a whim. I never in a million years thought that the song about my dead goldfish could also lead to a wider understanding of dropsy and other health concerns. The fact that it’s, in some small way, potentially saving goldfish lives, that’s incredibly humbling. It makes the whole thing worthwhile.
Archyde News Editor: Petco’s CEO, Joel D. Anderson, has expressed opposition to the song. Given the controversies, how would you respond to the insinuation that “Penelope” might harm the profits of pet supply companies?
Armistead Burwell Smith IV: It’s unfortunate, but not surprising. Look,I understand the business side of things,but the health and well-being of the fish should come first. If the song encourages better care,and as a result,people may buy fewer fish,that should still be the right of consumers and the goal of musicians like us.I encourage owners to educate themselves and keep their fish long living ones, even if it is indeed detrimental to Petco’s profits.
Archyde news Editor: You’ve mentioned plans for a song about a Red-Eyed Crocodile Skink. What inspired this,and what do you hope to achieve with this new project?
Armistead Burwell Smith IV: We’re always looking for the next underdog – the next creature whose story needs to be told! The skink project really comes from a place of curiosity and wanting to shine a light on another unique pet species. We are hoping that this song may help people learn more and be better prepared for their new pet.
Archyde news Editor: What advice would you give to aspiring artists hoping to use their art to advocate for animal welfare and promote responsible pet ownership?
Armistead Burwell Smith IV: Be authentic.Write what you feel, what moves you.Research your subject matter, but never be afraid to put yourself into your art, even if it is not aesthetically pleasing. Don’t be afraid to be different. And always remember the responsibility that comes with a platform. if you’re going to make a song about fish, you have a responsibility to educate as well.
Archyde news Editor: looking ahead, what’s next for you and Pinback?
Armistead Burwell Smith IV: Aside from working on the skink song, we’re touring again to help promote Penelope and the new potential skink song. We are also trying to work on our next album, but it’s incredibly difficult trying to write a song about the skink. It will be truly something when we release it.
Archyde News Editor: Armistead, thank you for your time and insights. We wish you continued success.
Armistead Burwell Smith IV: Thank you.
