The lyrics of "Boomer's Story" tell the tale of a wanderer who has traveled all over the country, never settling down and always moving on. He meets a girl in San Francisco, promises to settle down, but leaves her when he hears the whistle of a passing train. He has roamed from Maine to California, never saving any money, and now finds himself with nowhere to go. The song ends with a request to be buried by the railroad tracks so he can hear the trains go by even in death.

Meaning of "Boomer's Story" by Ry Cooder

The lyrics of "Boomer's Story" capture the essence of a restless wanderer who is consumed by the need to keep moving and exploring without ever settling down. The protagonist's travels and encounters with different people paint a picture of a life lived on the road, without roots or ties to any one place. The mention of leaving a girl behind because of the allure of the passing train represents the pull of adventure and the inability to commit to a stable life. The request to be buried by the railroad tracks reflects a desire to remain connected to the journey even after death, highlighting the deep attachment to the nomadic lifestyle. Overall, the song conveys a sense of nostalgia for a life of constant movement and freedom, despite the inevitable loneliness and lack of stability that comes with it.