19 Best Country Songs About Rivers

“Fishin’ on a River” by Jake Owen

Song Year: 2022

“Fishin’ on a River” is a Jake Owen song that resonates with anyone experiencing heartbreak. The lyrics tell the story of a man canceling his fishing trip after his girlfriend leaves him. He drowns away his sorrows at a bar, knowing that fishing won’t fill the void in his heart.

“River of Love” by George Strait

Song Year: 2008

“River of Love” is one of George Strait’s many number-one hits that perfectly incorporates river-themed symbolism in its lyrics.

The speaker desires a romantic relationship with a woman, expressing how love keeps flowing like a boat down a river. Although the ride can get rough, it’s worth the adventure. Its upbeat guitar instrumentation can lift spirits.

“River of Time” by The Judds

Song Year: 1989

If you’re looking for symbolic country songs about rivers, The Judds’ “River of Time” is one you shouldn’t skip.

This song’s about a woman trying to move on after losing her love. The lyrics compare the time it takes for her to heal to a river, washing away her pain and helping her drift away.

This song was the title track of The Judds’ fifth studio album, which ranked second on Billboard’s Hot Country Albums Chart.

“River Song” by Roger Creager

Song Year: 2014

Roger Creager’s “River Song” is an ode to the Comal River, one of his favorite summertime destinations. The narrator expresses how he enjoys visiting the river, remembering when he used to hang out with his old friend and lost his shoes in the river. He invites everyone who’s ever had fun by the river to toast to its greatness and natural beauty.

“Kern River” by Merle Haggard

Song Year: 1985

Sad country songs inherently resonate with anyone experiencing loss. Merle Haggard’s “Kern River” takes the perspective of a man whose lover drowned in the titular river where they met years ago. The narrator moves away from his hometown, grieving his beloved and vowing never to swim in the Kern River again.

“River Run” by Ian Munsick

Song Year: 2023

This recently released song by Ian Munsick compares a girl the song’s narrator spent the night with to the Blackfoot River, an unstoppable force of nature that flows freely and just won’t settle down. His memories of her linger in his head. He is overcome with feelings of emptiness whenever he approaches the river.

This single’s up-tempo pace captures the vibe of classic country songs. Yet, much like classic country, it is also quite a sad song about love lost.

“Tennessee River” by Alabama

Song Year: 1980

Like several country songs utilizing rivers as a central theme, Alabama’s “Tennessee River” incorporates lyrics about the singer growing up near a river.

The song’s narrator grew up in the mountains near the Tennessee River, but eventually moved away. He plans to return to his old home and settle down, eager to start a family and spend countless hours fishing. These ties to “settling down” are associated with the river—as part of the natural environment and natural order of things.

This song was a featured track on Alabama’s double-platinum debut album My Home’s in Alabama, which ranked third on Billboard’s Top Country Albums Chart.

“River of Happiness” by Dolly Parton

Song Year: 1974

You can count on Dolly Parton for upbeat country hits, and “River of Happiness” delivers on cheery tone. The song tells the straightforward story of a woman proclaiming her love—she’ll take her lover to a serene river that embodies their passion for one another. Its catchy guitar and banjo accompaniment emphasize the song’s light-hearted spirit.

“Big River, Big Man” by Claude King

Song Year: 1962

“Big River, Big Man” is a song featured on Claude King’s debut album Meet Claude King. The song’s narrator describes a man who builds a prosperous city on the Mississippi River. Although he’s made a name for himself, his greed pushes people away, including a woman he tried to marry. The narrator urges the man to move on like a flowing river.

Top Country Songs About Rivers, Final Thoughts

As you can see, many country songs about rivers can vary in tone and theme, adding extra variety for music fans looking for some romance in their favorite country tune. Most of the songs on this list use rivers as a metaphor for moving forward, love, or the passage of time.

We hope this list inspires you to find a few new favorites to listen to—especially if you feel like floating away downstream.