Meaning of "White Dove" by Levon Helm

The lyrics of "White Dove" evoke a deep sense of nostalgia and loss. The singer longs for the simplicity and happiness of his childhood in Virginia, where he lived in a peaceful mountain home with his family. However, the passing of his mother and father has left a void in his life that he struggles to fill. The imagery of the white dove mourning, willows hanging their heads, and the singer kneeling to pray at the graveyard all paint a picture of grief and longing. The song reflects on the passage of time and the inevitability of change, as the singer wonders if he will ever be reunited with his loved ones in the afterlife. Overall, "White Dove" captures the universal experience of longing for a lost past and missing loved ones, while also offering a sense of hope and spiritual connection in the face of loss.