Meaning of "Railroad Boy" by Joan Baez

The lyrics of "Railroad Boy" delve deep into the themes of unrequited love, betrayal, heartbreak, and tragedy. The young woman's intense love for the railroad boy is all-consuming, to the point where she cannot bear the thought of him being with someone else. The ultimate act of taking her own life signifies the depths of her despair and the devastating consequences of unreciprocated feelings. The image of the snow white dove on her breast symbolizes her purity and innocence, but also serves as a haunting warning about the fatal consequences of a love that was not meant to be. The song highlights the fragility of human emotions and the destructive power of love when it is not returned.