The narrator is expressing his desire to keep on traveling and being a drifter, despite knowing it causes pain to his loved one. He explains how the sound of a train whistle always calls him to move along, leaving his partner crying in the smoke along the track.

Meaning of "Smoke Along The Track" by Stonewall Jackson

The lyrics of "Smoke Along The Track" delve into the internal conflict of the narrator between his wanderlust and his love for his partner. He acknowledges that he is a drifter at heart and cannot settle down, feeling the constant urge to travel and explore. Although he loves his partner, he is unable to stay in one place and always follows the call of the train whistle. This song reflects the bittersweet reality of those torn between their innate need for freedom and the longing for a stable, loving relationship. It also touches on the difficulty of being understood by a partner who does not share the same desire for adventure, resulting in a cycle of leaving and returning that brings both joy and heartache.