Meaning of "Fixin' to Die" by Bob Dylan

The lyrics of "Fixin' to Die" by Bob Dylan capture the narrator's contemplation of mortality and the fear of impending death. They reflect on the inevitability of dying but express a deep sorrow at the idea of leaving their children behind, as evident in the repeated lines "I hate to leave my children crying." The references to a burying ground, black smoke rising, and walking strangely all symbolize the approach of death and the narrator's sense of discomfort and foreboding. The plea to Jesus to make up their dying bed further emphasizes the narrator's acceptance of the finality of death. Overall, the song delves into the fear, sadness, and resignation that often accompany thoughts of mortality and imminent passing.