The narrator describes leaving his old life behind, crossing the Mississippi and heading to Mexico with just a few belongings. He reflects on his troubled past, including the loss of his wife and a stint in jail, and hopes for a fresh start in Mexico.

Meaning of "New Life in Old Mexico" by Robert Earl Keen

The lyrics of "New Life in Old Mexico" tell the story of a man on the run from his past, seeking redemption and a new beginning in Mexico. The narrator reflects on the mistakes and hardships he has faced, including the loss of his wife and his involvement in unlawful activities. Mexico represents a place where he can escape his troubled past and start anew, leaving his old identity behind. The freedom and possibility of a fresh start in a new land symbolize hope and the chance for redemption. The journey to Mexico is not just a physical one but also an emotional and spiritual quest for the narrator to leave his past behind and seek a new life.