The lyrics describe a rainy day where people are rushing home from work, feeling a sense of familiarity with strangers they pass by. The protagonist reflects on someone who used to live in the same place but left to seek something more than the dreary reality of their current situation.

Meaning of "Cold Rain" by Crosby, Stills & Nash

"Cold Rain" by Crosby, Stills & Nash captures the mundane and repetitive nature of everyday life, beautifully illustrated by the imagery of cold rain falling on the protagonist's face. The presence of strangers who feel like they could be from the past suggests a sense of nostalgia and longing for the comfort of familiarity in a world where everything seems transient. The lyrics reflect a yearning for something more than the routine of work and the stains of unfulfilled dreams, as evidenced by the person who left in search of greater fulfillment. This departure symbolizes a desire for change, growth, and a pursuit of a life with more meaning and purpose beyond the constraints of the present environment. Overall, the song conveys a theme of reflection, nostalgia, and the search for meaning in a world filled with monotony.