Just a week before its release, Randy Travis sent country fans into a frenzy when an image of what looked to be an album cover was posted to his social media, the caption reading “went fishing in the vault… I think we caught something”. Fans had high hopes that it might be a new album on the way and turns out, they were right.

The currently unnamed album marks Travis’ first new music project in 18 years and is said to be a collection of songs “from the vault”, recorded before the country legend suffered a life changing stroke in 2013. The album has been remixed and remastered, and has had no AI involvement in its creation unlike two songs that the ‘Forever and Ever, Amen’ singer released in 2024 - both of which used AI to replicate Travis’ distinct vocals.

The first single from the album is titled ‘Fish On’ and was released on July 10th. To celebrate the track’s release, Travis and his wife, Mary, took to socials to announce a scavenger hunt across Nashville with 40 collectible "Randy Travis bobbers" being hidden across the city. Those that were lucky enough to find them were treated to an exclusive first listening of the recording.

The album art for the single features a photograph of Travis taken a fair few years back, a prize catch in hand and a proud smile on his face. The song tells the story of a love for fishing, the journey it’s taken to get there and a desire to always be what makes you happy, in this case: fishing.

With a distinctly classic '90s country sound, ‘Fish On’ is set to be a hit for this summer.

‘Fish On’ is undeniably made in that ‘90s country sound we all know and love. Fiddle, guitar and wailing background steel guitar all come through strongly, immediately creating a lively honkytonk feel. With breezy percussion and lilting melodies, ‘Fish On’ was made to be perfect for those hot summer days by the lake - throw it on a playlist with some Alan Jackson.

‘Fish On’ chronicles the story of Travis’ - or perhaps any fishing fan’s - love story to fishing. From recalling the tale of the first time he discovered the pastime at his grandfather’s pond, after making his first catch he was “hooked from that day on”. He follows that play on words by saying he learnt everything he knows in “fishing terms”, suggesting that all you need to know in life can be reflected in the country’s favourite hobby.

In the second verse, he furthers this idea by talking about the lure of the prize and listening to your conscience. While he’s relating these to a day on the water, they could quite easily be applied to just about anything in life!

Making sure his listeners know this track, and fishing, is for anyone and everyone - he tells us that any place near the water can be a hell of a good time. All you need to remember is, “fish on”.

“It started one day at grandpa's place, a cane pole and a pond
And when I pulled that first one in, I was hooked from that day on
And everything I've learned in fishing terms
Brought me to where we are
A man whose mission is to make a living fishin' 'neath the sun, moon, or the stars
-
We're going ocean to ocean and all points in between
Headin' for some waters few have ever seen
Rivers, lakes, streams, or bays, get ready set we're gone
Any place we can find to wet a line is a good time
Fish on
-
The good Lord willin' the creek don't rise, today might be the day
We'll cast out and then pull in the one that always gets away
So if you're game you can do the same, let your conscience be your guide
If the lure of the prize puts a light in your eyes then come along for the ride
We're going ocean to ocean and all points in between
Headin' for some waters few have ever seen
Rivers, lakes, streams, or bays, get ready set we're gone
Any place we can find to wet a line is a good time
Fish on
-
Our playground covers this whole world, there's room for everyone
So ladies, gents, and boys and girls, chores can wait, let's have some fun
-
Ocean to ocean and all points in between
Headin' for some waters few have ever seen
Rivers, lakes, streams, or bays, get ready set we're gone
Any place we can find to wet a line is a good time
Fish on
-
Any place we can find to wet a line is a good time
Fish on”

Randy Travis

Artist