Meaning of "Dixie Babylon" by Cracker

The lyrics of "Dixie Babylon" by Cracker seem to explore themes of guilt, desire, and self-reflection. The narrator describes a moment when he meets a woman and is tempted to engage in a physical relationship with her, despite feeling conflicted and guilty about it. The imagery of the old part of town, the canal, the cotton mill, and autumn leaves creates a sense of nostalgia and longing, as well as a feeling of decay and lost innocence. The narrator's internal struggle, as he confesses his feelings of distress and selfishness, reflects a deeper introspection about his own morality and capacity for both giving and taking in relationships. The song captures a moment of weakness and temptation, while also hinting at a broader existential crisis and the search for meaning in a world filled with fleeting desires.