The lyrics talk about a man who built a castle for his queen but neglected her, leaving her alone too often. He prioritized his pursuits of song and wine over spending time with her, leading to the queen feeling neglected. Another man comes along, offering the queen the love she desires, and she leaves the protagonist for him, symbolically plucking the grapes from the vine. The man realizes his mistake but it's too late as his queen is gone, leaving behind an empty castle.

Meaning of "West Canterbury Subdivision Blues" by Johnny Cash

"West Canterbury Subdivision Blues" delves into themes of neglect, regret, and loss in relationships. The protagonist's failure to prioritize his queen and nurture their connection leads to the ultimate loss of her affection. The metaphor of grapes and vine symbolizes the neglect and lack of care in their relationship, ultimately resulting in the queen being lured away by someone who offers her the love and attention she craves. The lyrics serve as a cautionary tale about the importance of cherishing and tending to relationships, as neglect can lead to irreversible consequences. It highlights the importance of communication, effort, and valuing one's partner in order to prevent the loss and regret depicted in the song.