The lyrics of "Modern Times" by Al Stewart reminisce about old memories shared between friends, recalling youthful adventures, romantic encounters, and the passage of time. The narrator meets an old friend at a bar, but the friend is distant and disconnected, reflecting on past experiences that have shaped him. The friend expresses a disdain for modern society and retreats into the comfort of nostalgia. The narrator ultimately leaves, feeling the weight of time's passing and the emotional distance that has grown between them.

Meaning of "Modern Times" by Al Stewart

"Modern Times" reflects on nostalgia, memory, and the impact of time on relationships and personal growth. The song captures the bittersweet feeling of reconnecting with someone from the past and realizing that both parties have been changed by the passage of time. The friend's sense of disconnect from the present and preference for the past highlights a longing for simpler times and a rejection of the complexities and pitfalls of modern life. The narrator's departure at the end symbolizes the inevitability of change and the recognition that some connections may be lost to time. The references to Kerouac, red light girls, and Cole Porter add layers of depth to the narrative, exploring themes of wanderlust, desire, and the allure of the past amidst a changing world.