The lyrics of "South Of Cincinnati" tell the story of a woman who has been separated from her lover for fourteen years. Despite refusing to speak his name, she writes him letters every day, keeping them hidden. The man, living in a cold apartment in Chicago, drinks heavily and is oblivious to her letters. The woman longs for a reconnection, stating that if he ever comes back south of Cincinnati, where they are from, she will be his again.

Meaning of "South Of Cincinnati" by Dwight Yoakam

The heart-wrenching lyrics of "South Of Cincinnati" explore themes of love, longing, and separation. The woman's dedication to writing letters to her lost love for fourteen years demonstrates the depth of her feelings and her unwillingness to let go of the past. The man, on the other hand, is depicted as drowning his sorrows in alcohol, showing how pride and stubbornness can prevent reconciliation. The imagery of the South, with references to landmarks like the Mason-Dixon line and the Ohio River, evokes a sense of nostalgia and longing for home. Ultimately, the lyrics speak to the universal experience of lost love and the hope for a second chance, even after years of separation.