Meaning of "East Virginia" by Joan Baez

The lyrics of "East Virginia" depict the classic theme of unrequited love and longing. The man in the song is deeply in love with the woman he met in Virginia, fascinated by her beauty and grace. However, circumstances prevent them from being together, leading to heartache and pain for the man. He dreams of the woman at night and cannot find peace during the day, consumed by thoughts of her. The final lines of the song highlight the idea of regret and nostalgia, as the man imagines the woman sitting beside his coffin, reflecting on what could have been. Overall, the lyrics explore the intense emotions and yearning associated with unfulfilled love.