19 Best Country Songs About Rivers

Rivers are one of the most common motifs in country music. Some songs incorporate rivers talking about a real location, while others use it metaphorically.

Check out our list of the best country songs about rivers you should consider adding to your next playlist.

“Chattahoochee” by Alan Jackson

Song Year: 1993

Alan Jackson’s “Chattahoochee” is an uptempo country song about a man remembering his time growing up in a small town near the Chattahoochee River. He credits everything he knows to the river, from learning how to swim, to respecting women in a romantic relationship.

It was a featured track on the album A Lot About Livin’ (And a Little ‘bout Love) and topped Billboard’s Hot Country Songs Chart.

“River Bank” by Brad Paisley

Song Year: 2014

Brad Paisley’s “River Bank” is an upbeat song featured on the album Moonshine in the Trunk. The lyrics describe a man having fun in the river with the woman he loves, expressing how they can make the most of their time without being wealthy. Although he thinks about being rich and owning a large boat, he’s happy with what he’s got.

“Red River Valley” by Michael Martin Murphey

Song Year: 1990

Michael Martin Murphey’s rendition of “Red River Valley,” featured on the album Cowboy Songs, tells the story of a man lamenting about his love leaving. He beckons her to remember their time in the Red River Valley.

The guitar and string accompaniment enhances Murphey’s vocals. It’s the perfect song to listen to on a lonely night when thinking about someone you care about who’s far from you.

“Down the River” by Chris Knight

Song Year: 2001

Some country songs tell dark tales, like Chris Knight’s “Down the River.”

The lyrics describe a young man going fishing with his older brother, but his brother gets shot dead by Wilson, a man he got into a fight with, and falls into the river. The revenge-driven narrator kills Wilson and dumps his body in the river. Five years later, he continues to mourn his lost brother.

“Gonna Take a Lot of Rivers” by The Oak Ridge Boys

Song Year: 1988

The Oak Ridge Boys’ chart-topping hit “Gonna Take a Lot of Rivers” has a catchy, up-tempo sound. This song describes a man trying to escape heartbreak after his girl leaves him, deciding to ride the river until he’s ready to move on.

He knows moving on won’t be easy, expressing how he’ll need more rivers to travel. The lyrics reference the Ohio, Mississippi, and Monongahela rivers.

“You, Me, & The River” by Chris Janson

Song Year: 2022

One of Chris Janson’s darkest songs is “You, Me, & The River,” featured on his album All In. The lyrics describe a man murdering his wife and her lover after discovering her infidelity. It’s pretty harrowing.

The narrator doesn’t know how much time he has until the authorities find him. The song references the Mississippi River as a metaphor for secrets. The song’s guitar and harmonica solo give the modern piece a traditional country sound—despite the morbid subject matter.

“Five Feet High and Rising” by Johnny Cash

Song Year: 1959

Despite its short length, Johnny Cash’s “Five Feet High and Rising” remains one of the top country songs about rivers. In this song, Cash remembers his family’s ranch getting impacted by a flooding river as a child, washing away the crops and livestock.

He asks his parents how high the water is, increasing during each chorus section, eventually leaving their home until the water level decreases.

“Tennessee River Run” by Darryl Worley

Song Year: 2003

Darryll Worley’s “Tennessee River Run” is the perfect song to play during a lively summertime party because of its upbeat tone. The narrator expresses his desire to have fun by the Tennessee River, inviting anyone looking for a fun time on the weekend, from enjoying cold beer to tubing down the river.

This song is for anyone who longs to have more free time—instead of spending all of it at work. It was featured on Worley’s chart-topping album, I Miss My Friend.

“River in the Rain” by Allison Krauss

Song Year: 2017

Initially written by Roger Miller and featured in the musical Big River, Allison Krauss’ rendition of “River in the Rain” is one of the most heartfelt country songs you’ll hear. The narrator describes the river as beautiful when it’s peaceful and destructive when it floods in the rain. This song resonates with anyone who appreciates the naturalistic beauty of the environment.

“Down by the River” by Bobby Wills

Song Year: 2016

Bobby Wills’ “Down by the River” is a song about a man inviting a woman he loves to spend time with him by the river. He mentions wanting to wade in its waters and watch the stars without worrying about the world around him—and all the troubles it can bring.