Meaning of "Old Man at the Mill" by Ian Matthews

The lyrics of "Old Man at the Mill" paint a vivid picture of a working environment where time seems to stand still, and the repetitive nature of labor is emphasized. The image of the old man working tirelessly at the mill, with the wheel turning on its own free will, suggests a sense of routine and inevitability in life. The playful banter between the owl, raven, and other creatures about the old man's work and personal life adds a touch of whimsy to the otherwise monotonous setting. References to a pretty girl, a young man wanting to have two, and the old man's distant location in Kalamazoo create a sense of nostalgia and longing for something beyond the daily grind. Overall, the lyrics reflect themes of routine, longing, and the passage of time.