Meaning of "Ashes & Fire" by Ryan Adams

The lyrics of "Ashes & Fire" by Ryan Adams seem to capture a sense of longing, regret, and loss. The speaker appears to be haunted by memories of a past love, represented by the black cherry blossom perfume and indigo eyes of the woman they can't forget. The sailboats sailing by and the river crying symbolize the passage of time and the inevitability of change, while the references to cigarette smoke, Roosevelt pie, and bums on the Bowery paint a vivid picture of a gritty urban landscape. The repeated refrain of "ashes & fire" suggests a heart that has been burned and reduced to nothing but ashes, perhaps reflecting on the pain of past relationships and the scars they leave behind. Overall, the lyrics convey a complex mix of emotions, from nostalgia and sadness to a yearning for something lost.