The speaker reminisces about fishing with a loved one at a riverbank, expressing their desire for things to go back to how they were before. They recall specific memories of fishing together and express their longing for the presence of the person who is now gone.

Meaning of "Riverbank" by Jeff Bates

The lyrics of "Riverbank" by Jeff Bates reflect on the loss of a loved one and the longing for times spent together. The riverbank symbolizes a place of joy and connection, where happy memories were made. The act of fishing becomes a metaphor for the bond shared between the speaker and the person they are missing. The juxtaposition of the riverbank with a graveyard highlights the finality of death and the inability to recreate the past. Despite the grief, the speaker finds solace in the memories and decides to honor their loved one by continuing to fish and keeping their spirit alive. Overall, the song explores themes of loss, nostalgia, and the enduring connections we have with those who have passed on.