Meaning of "Rachel's Song" by James McMurtry

"Rachel's Song" by James McMurtry paints a vivid picture of a lonesome winter night where the narrator is haunted by their past. The imagery of the cold front, the snow-covered coal cars, and the fading daylight all symbolize a sense of foreboding and regret. The mention of wrecking the El Camino while possibly under the influence hints at self-destructive behavior and a reckless disregard for consequences. The heartbreaking theme of estrangement is explored through the narrator's reminiscence of a child who used to inquire about someone consistently, possibly their absent mother, and how eventually, that curiosity fades away. There's a sense of longing and resignation in realizing that time and circumstances have led to a disconnection that may never be mended, symbolized by the falling snowflakes that come to represent fleeting moments of hope and nostalgia that quickly disappear.