Matt Stell’s latest release, “Gone Fishing,” is likely to hit close to home for anyone who has experienced grief. The song serves as a reminder that even the smallest moments in life can bring back memories of the people we’ve lost and help keep their presence alive in our lives.
Penned by Stell with Brendan Cooney and Seth Mosely, the moving track finds the country singer depicting the story of a woman who lost her husband. As she moves through life with grief heavy on her heart, she encounters plenty of familiar reminders of the years they spent together on the water.
Stell reflects on the little things that come to mind when loneliness sets in at night, from her first date with her late partner to a trip they took to Toledo Bend, where they shared their excitement for fishing together. Although they can no longer make new memories, revisiting those special moments brings her comfort and makes her feel as though he is still close by.
The final line of the chorus, “He ain’t gone, he’s just gone fishing,” reflects how the woman finds comfort in imagining that, rather than having passed away, her partner is simply out fishing and will return when the day is done.
Stell sings, “When it’s 5 a.m. and he ain’t in bed/ He’s just racin’ thе rain ‘fore the sky breaks rеd/ She don’t smell coffee or hear the floor creak/ Must have kissed her head and just let her sleep/ ‘Til she sees that Tracker right where he left it/ Tarped outside and she comes to her senses/ It don’t last long, but for one sweet minute/ He ain’t gone, he’s just gone fishing.”
The powerful story behind “Gone Fishing” is the kind of song Stell says he has wanted to be part of writing since moving to Nashville. While its emotional lyrics are likely to resonate with anyone who has experienced the tragic loss of a loved one, it also holds a personal meaning for Stell. After losing his own father a few years ago, he understands the emotions behind every word.
“…To this day something as simple as fishing, hunting or a ball game can trigger a memory about him. Brendan Cooney, Seth Mosley and I wanted to tell a story about dealing with loss and grief and what comes on the other side of that. It’s just a really special song that I’m proud to have written,” he shared.
“Gone Fishing” follows another important release from the Arkansas native, “Where I’ll Be,” which paints a picture of small-town life while portraying the story of a woman who leaves home to chase her dreams.
Fans can dive even deeper into the sentiment behind “Gone Fishing” with an acoustic version Stell recorded that is available now on YouTube.