Meaning of "Rocky Mountain Time" by John Prine

"Rocky Mountain Time" by John Prine delves into themes of loneliness, confusion, and the passage of time. The narrator finds himself in a desolate train station, symbolizing a sense of isolation and being stuck. The repetition of the clock playing drums and the wind whistling down the railroad tracks creates a sense of time marching on relentlessly, whether the narrator is ready or not. The lyrics also touch on the idea of feeling out of place and disconnected from one's surroundings, as shown by the funny-tasting water and the waitress yelling. The mention of building a castle on Main Street and the reference to twisting off each other's arms suggest a desire for escape or distraction from the bleak reality the narrator finds himself in. Ultimately, the song explores the inner turmoil of feeling too young for where life has taken him, yet too old to start over, encapsulating the universal struggle of trying to navigate through life's uncertainties.