Meaning of "The Last Spike" by Cowboy Junkies

The song "The Last Spike" by Cowboy Junkies reflects on the decline of small-town America as industries shut down, businesses close, and dreams fade away. The imagery of the disappearing train, the closed post office, and the fading dreams captures the sense of loss and nostalgia for a time when the town was vibrant and full of life. The repeated references to the timber and rock being taken away symbolize the exploitation of the town's resources until nothing is left. The closing of the post office, the TV station, and Main Street businesses symbolize the end of an era and the harsh reality of economic decline. The train symbolizes a loved one leaving, never to return, representing loss, yearning, and the impossibility of reviving the past. Overall, the lyrics convey a poignant message about the impact of industrial decline on small communities, the loss of hope and dreams, and the inevitability of change.