Meaning of "Waiting For The Mail" by Charlie Robison

The song discusses the feeling of waiting for communication from someone important, symbolized by waiting for the mail. It reflects on the passage of time, with the protagonist wondering about the troubles the person they're waiting to hear from might be facing. The mention of a dream about a motel near the border and the imagery of buzzards flying and fields burning away adds a sense of desolation and uncertainty. The lyrics convey a sense of loneliness and introspection, with the protagonist grappling with their own demons and struggles while hoping for some form of connection through the mail. The torch they carry symbolizes a sense of responsibility or duty that they can't shake off, adding layers of complexity to their emotional state.