Mark Bishop returns with a heartfelt new single, "The Fishing Pole," a deeply reflective song that transforms childhood memories and life lessons into a moving parable about grace and redemption. Wrapped in warm acoustic textures and grounded storytelling, the song traces the diverging paths of two boys who begin life side by side, only to discover how choices, circumstances, and God's mercy shape very different destinies. Drawing inspiration from the famous words of 16th-century preacher John Bradford, Bishop invites listeners to see beyond labels and failures, reminding them that every soul remains worthy of redemption in the eyes of God.
Q: "The Fishing Pole" draws from life experience and reminds us that God sees souls worth redeeming. What personal moments or observations most directly inspired the story behind this song?
My brothers and I grew up here in eastern Kentucky, not far away from several farm ponds within walking distance. We also had a couple of subdivisions nearby with lots of kids. It was very "Mayberry-ish" in that way. Fishing was one of the ways we spent time together, forging friendships and growing up together. I look back now at who we were then, and see now the many different paths our lives took, even though we all started from the same place. Every little fork in the road can lead you to much different destinies.
Q: You reference the famous words of John Bradford, "There but by the grace of God go I." Why did that historical reflection feel so relevant to communicate through this song right now?
It has always been relevant. Life can be overwhelming sometimes. Our circumstances form us in many ways. Any of us could be in a much different place than we are now, but for a few misfortunes we avoided.
Q: The song tells the story of two boys who start in the same place but end up on very different paths. What do you hope listeners recognize about grace, choice, and redemption through that contrast?
If you are in a place right now where you feel blessed and life is good, it behooves you to (1.) Be grateful... and (2.) go out of your way to encourage or help someone who didn't have as easy a path. God gives us grace when we make mistakes. He expects us to do the same to the people around us.
Q: You've said the song isn't really about fishing or even friendship, but about letting God make your life better. How has that truth continued to shape your own faith journey at this stage of life and ministry?
I guess what I meant by that is, everyone has troubles in life. Thankfully, God has left us instructions on how to handle tough times... how to handle our worries and anxieties... how to overcome our poor decisions... how to make amends... how to ask for forgiveness and how to forgive. In all, God wants to see our lives get better. There is no bad advice in the Bible.
Q: Sonically, "The Fishing Pole" leans into warm, acoustic textures and gentle storytelling. How intentional was that stripped-down approach in serving the message of the song?
We love exploring lots of musical motifs when making new music. The gentle music matches the message. Much in the way a novel uses the first few pages to set the scene of a story, music is a shortcut to our emotions. In the few bars of a musical intro, the song can prepare the listener's state-of-mind for the message to come.
Q: Looking ahead, how is the message of redemption and grace found in "The Fishing Pole" influencing the future music you're working on, and what can listeners expect from you next?
Every song that I write is its own thing. I enjoy writing around certain themes for sure, but the muse can go in any direction. I don't stop it usually. I like exploring ideas. I like digging into the emotions that form us. Books do that. Movies do that. I love story-telling and I've found that music is a great way to communicate and connect with each other. I also know from my own experience that a song can be greater than the sum of its parts. It can navigate around the walls of our heart to reach our memories and our emotions in ways that we may feel, but not fully understand. Everyone has a song that when they hear it, it moves them to another time, place, or emotion. It makes me happy when someone tells me that one of my songs does that for them. Actually. It blows my mind.
"The Fishing Pole" is streaming in Dolby Atmos spatial audio on Apple Music, Amazon Music and TIDAL. Listen to it HERE.
