Jake Owen Lets a Keeper Get Away in ‘Fishin’ On a River’

This one's got a sharp hook.

Written by Chris Parton
Jake Owen Lets a Keeper Get Away in ‘Fishin’ On a River’
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - JULY 15: Singer & songwriter Jake Owen performs during the "Jake Owen & Friends In Concert" at the Ryman Auditorium on July 15, 2021 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images)

Country star Jake Owen lets a keeper get away in his latest song “Fishin’ On a River” (out today, February 18), but this hook-filled anthem isn’t what it seems.

Miles away from the nearest body of water, this “fishing” song finds the hit maker whetting his whistle instead of a line, and catching little more than a strong buzz.

Written by David Fanning, Drew Parker and Cole Taylor, the track is another early look at Owen’s next studio album, and this one mixes guitar-driven rock with country regret. Perched on a barstool and drowning in memory, the song’s main character knows he should be out fishing right now, enjoying a good life that includes true love. But instead he’s nursing a bottle, and nursing his broken heart.

“A honey hole ain’t gonna help me forget her / So I’m sittin’ in a bar instead of fishin’ on a river,” goes the chorus.

“I knew I had to cut this song the moment I heard it,” Owen says. “When you first hear the title, you’d think it’s a good ole Country anthem about fishin’ with the boys. Instead, it’s a love done gone, sway along track that most everyone can relate. Here’s to the brokenhearted chasing their blues away with Jack and Rye instead of bass and fishing line.”

“Fishin’ On a River” follows a pair of 2021 releases from Owen, including the feel-good “Drunk On a Boat” and his current release, “Best Thing Since Backroads.” That windows-down romance anthem is climbing radio charts now, and all three should be included on Owen’s yet-to-be-announced next studio album.