The speaker describes the night falling softly with falling leaves and shadows cast by street lamps, creating patterns on his wall. In a narrow room, he reflects on the patterns of his life from birth to death, comparing it to a rat in a maze following a set path until it dies. He acknowledges that his life is made up of patterns that are difficult to control.

Meaning of "Patterns" by Paul Simon

The lyrics of "Patterns" by Paul Simon delve into the theme of fate and the inevitability of following predetermined paths in life. The imagery of falling leaves and shadows on the wall reflects the fleeting nature of time and the cyclical patterns of life. The comparison of the speaker's existence to a rat in a maze highlights the feeling of being trapped within societal expectations and the constraints of destiny. Despite wishing for control over his life, the speaker realizes that patterns, like the color of his skin or the aging process, cannot be altered. The acceptance of this lack of control and the acknowledgment of the patterns that shape one's life ultimately create a sense of resignation and contemplation of mortality.