Fishin' Songs

Derek Webb, Tyler Childers, and the Pixies

I want to go fishing

I want to feel the sunshine

And I want heaven and hell to disappear as I cast a line

And drift away like the burdens of this heart of mine

I want to go fishing, I want to go fishing

—Sons of Bill, Fishing Song

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The sons of Bill Wilson, a professor of philosophical theology and Southern literature at the University of Virginia, formed a band named Sons of Bill. Genius, we say! Their Fishing Song is featured in the Bonus Track this week. It helps our good friend give expression to a not-so-good time and tells of the hobby that brought him a reprieve.

Before we get to that, here are three songs that have nothing to do with fishing, but feature things that go well with fishing - sand, country life, and water.

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Every Grain of Sand by Bob Dylan Covered by Derek Webb (Kody)

I once heard Derek say that God often used Bob Dylan’s music to restore his sanity. At the time, I thought that sounded dramatic. Now, with more life lived and more tracks played, I totally get it. Webb’s cover of Dylan’s “Every Grain of Sand” is often used to restore my sanity when things get a little cloudy.

Also available on Apple Music.

Country Squire by Tyler Childers (Ben)

If the Appalachian mountains could sing, I think they’d sound like Childers. He paints vivid county-life scenes that come alive in his lyrics. This one is upbeat and describes his work (playing music on the road) to make a home for his lady one day in the future.

Also available on Apple Music.

Where Is My Mind? by the Pixies (Jonathan)

Coming back from a great vacation is always tough. This classic Pixies track, which is not your typical 80’s song, asks the question I am asking myself after being on vacation…where is my mind? The answer…way out on the water. I don’t think they were talking about ocean waves or a calm lake, but that will be my interpretation! Either way, this song always puts me in a good mood.

Also available on Apple Music.

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Bonus Track: Fishin’ Songs by Chris Smith

Anyone who knows me knows that I love to fish. While I've always loved fishing, it has meant more to me over these past few years. In 2018, my dad suffered a massive stroke that nearly killed him, left him paralyzed, and forced me to take control of his medical, business, and financial decisions. That same year, after the birth of our second son, my wife went into a season of severe postpartum depression. I ended up requesting a leave of absence from my Ph.D. program that had already taken me too long. Altogether, it was crushing.

In that time, fishing became a brief reprieve from the weightiness of life. No song captures how I felt in those dark days quite like the “Fishing Song” by Sons of Bill. (Also available on Apple Music) The sparse piano, the heartbreaking steel guitar, and the devastating verses capture the isolation of sadness. The chorus, then, voices a desperate wish for the relief that can come from a day out on the water. I'm thankful for the simple grace of fishing that helped me through some tough times.

I'm even more thankful that the Ph.D. is finished, my wife is improving, and my dad is physically and financially stable. Now that we're in a sunnier season of life, here are some happier songs that I blast when I'm on my way to my favorite fishing hole.

1. Blue Canoe by Blue Mountain

2. The Five Pound Bass by Robert Earl Keen

3. I'm Gonna Miss Her by Brad Paisley

4. Talking Fishing Blues by Woody Guthrie

5. Fishin' in the Dark by the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band

Chris Smith lives in Louisville, KY and has one of the best beards known to man. His first concert was a Matchbox 20 show. He is a big Dave Matthews fan and danced with his wife to “Everyday” at their wedding reception.

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Thanks for reading along and for swapping songs with us!

-TheMusicSwap