The narrator recalls falling in love with an Appalachian girl in southwest Virginia, surrounded by the remnants of strip mining. Despite wanting to take her away, she always gravitated back to her roots. Years later, he visits her and realizes that the road not taken still haunts him.

Meaning of "The Road Not Taken" by Bruce Hornsby

"The Road Not Taken" by Bruce Hornsby tells a poignant story of reminiscence and regret. The Appalachian girl symbolizes a love that was deeply rooted in a specific time and place, tied to the landscape and culture of the region. The narrator's desire to take her away represents a longing to escape the past and pursue a different path, but ultimately, she chooses to remain true to her roots. The narrator's return after many years reflects his unresolved feelings and nostalgia for a life that could have been. The lyrics highlight the theme of missed opportunities and the bittersweet realization that some choices can never be undone. The Appalachian girl serves as a representation of the road not taken, a reminder of what could have been.