Meaning of "Boundary County" by Eilen Jewell

"Boundary County" explores the theme of nostalgia and the yearning for a lost past, symbolized by the beauty and purity of Boundary County. The narrator is filled with regret for leaving behind their homeland, drawn to the memories of barbed wire, sage, and violet hills that once defined their world. The whiskey and wanderlust that led them away serve as a reminder of mistakes made and paths taken that cannot be retraced. The lyrics convey a sense of longing for a simpler time and a desire to return to a place that represents innocence and peace, even though the past is forever lost. Ultimately, the song captures the bittersweet nature of memories and the inevitability of change, leaving the narrator with a sense of resignation and acceptance of the choices that have led them away from their roots.