Meaning of "Lonesome Road Blues" by Old Crow Medicine Show

The lyrics of "Lonesome Road Blues" paint a picture of deep sorrow, loneliness, and longing. The narrator is haunted by memories of their deceased family members, feeling their absence keenly as they walk down a lonesome path. The mention of the "long plank walk" and the "cooling board" suggests themes of death and mourning, while the image of the "fast mail train" taking away the narrator's "blue eyed girl" conveys a sense of sudden loss and tragedy. The repeated refrain of being caused to weep, mourn, and leave home by an unknown force further emphasizes the feelings of heartache and displacement. The longing for the past and the inability to find solace in the present creates a haunting, melancholic tone that resonates throughout the song.