Meaning of "Everglades" by George Hamilton IV

The song "Everglades" by George Hamilton IV paints a picture of a man forced to live life on the run, isolated in the vast and unforgiving Everglades after being involved in a violent incident. The Everglades represent a place of refuge but also isolation, where one can hide and never be found. The man's isolation is emphasized through the mention of his family giving him up for dead, highlighting the consequences of his actions. The lyrics also touch upon themes of justice and fate, as the jury rules the man's actions as self-defense, but he is still forced to live in exile. The Everglades become a metaphor for the consequences of violence and the burden of guilt, as the man remains a fugitive despite being cleared of any wrongdoing. Overall, the song explores the idea of running from one's past and the consequences of one's actions, emphasizing how escaping the past may not always lead to true freedom.