The song is about a couple who plan to have a romantic encounter together at night while fishing.[1] "Fishin' in the Dark" has a fast tempo in the key of D major, with its verses based mainly around an open fifth consisting of D and A.[2]Jimmy Ibbotson, then the band's bass guitarist, sings lead vocals.[3]
Co-writer Jim Photoglo, a native of California, made trips to Nashville, Tennessee, in 1984 at the suggestion of songwriter Wendy Waldman. While staying at a Shoney's Inn in Nashville, he began playing open fifths on his guitar into a tape recorder.[4] Waldman suggested the title "Fishin' in the Dark" after listening to A Prairie Home Companion on the radio.[5] As both they and record producer Josh Leo lived in the same apartment complex, Leo became aware of the song and recommended it to Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, for whom he was producing at the time.[4] Before the band recorded it, Ed Bruce also included a version on his 1986 album Night Things.[6]
Almost three decades after the song's release, Photoglo would join Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, taking over for Ibbotson on bass guitar.[7]
Critical reception
Kevin John Coyne of Country Universe gave the song an "A", stating that "The lyrics paint such a clear picture that you feel you’re out on the water with this young couple getting ready to do some fishin’ in the dark. No word on whether they catch any fish, but they’re definitely catching feelings, and that’s the secret sauce of this little gem. It captures the euphoria of those early days of a new romance, where the activity doesn’t matter so much as the chance to be alone together."[1] Group member Jeff Hanna later stated that the song was considered Nitty Gritty Dirt Band's signature song, and became most popular during summertime.[8] It was certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), honoring one million certified music downloads, on September 12, 2014.[9]
