Meaning of "Leaving" by Indigo Girls

The lyrics of "Leaving" delve into the conflicting emotions that come with leaving someone behind to travel. The singer describes the repetitiveness of the process of leaving – packing bags, saying vows, and trying to memorize the last loving look – highlighting the emptiness and uncertainty that comes with being away from home. The lyrics also touch on the fear of losing the fire in relationships due to distance and time apart, as well as the contemplation of what it means to have a home for a traveling heart. The constant back and forth between leaving and returning reflects the internal struggle of the singer in deciding whether to stay or keep moving, ultimately culminating in the realization that all they know is to go, despite the doubts and questions that linger.