The narrator is sitting on the dock of the bay, feeling lonely and aimless as they watch ships come and go, reflecting on leaving their home in Georgia and feeling like nothing is going to change.

Meaning of "Sittin' On The Dock Of The Bay" by David Allan Coe

The lyrics of "Sittin' On The Dock Of The Bay" by David Allan Coe paint a picture of a person who feels stuck in their current situation, longing for a sense of purpose or change in their life. The image of sitting on the dock watching the tide roll away symbolizes a feeling of being static and unable to move forward. The narrator's decision to leave their home in search of something better but ultimately feeling disillusioned with what they find highlights a sense of disappointment and resignation. The repetition of the phrase "I'm sittin' on the dock of the bay wastin' time" emphasizes the idea of feeling stuck and unable to make meaningful progress. Overall, the song captures a sense of loneliness, longing, and a lack of direction in life.