Meaning of "Rollin' By" by Lyle Lovett

"Rollin' By" by Lyle Lovett paints a picture of a once-thriving town in West Texas now abandoned and forgotten. The imagery of the closed drugstore, dry river, and defunct drive-in symbolize the passage of time and the decline of the town's former glory. The mention of the old cowboys' graves and the mission standing at the edge of the plateau conveys a sense of history and the permanence of the land, despite the changes that have occurred. The protagonist's reflection on the past, post-wartime lovers, and the changing landscape evokes feelings of nostalgia and longing for days gone by. The constant movement of semis and the protagonist on the highway suggest a transient nature, echoing the theme of impermanence and change.