Meaning of "Traveling Man" by John Brown's Body

The lyrics of "Traveling Man" seem to explore themes of growth, reflection, and the passage of time. The traveling man represents the transient nature of life, constantly moving forward and evolving. The narrator's advice to not bring the man back to the van could symbolize the importance of leaving behind past mistakes and embracing change and growth. As they meet again in Tempe, Arizona, the traveling man's wiser demeanor suggests that he has taken the narrator's words to heart and has learned from his experiences. The repetition of the phrase "Ride on" reflects the idea of moving forward and embracing the journey of life, even when faced with challenges.