Meaning of "The Once and Future Carpenter" by The Avett Brothers

The song delves into the introspective journey of a carpenter who transitions into a life filled with uncertainty and exploration. The lyrics highlight themes of embracing change, facing mortality, and finding purpose in life. The narrator reflects on their past as a carpenter, symbolizing a stable and predictable lifestyle that was left behind to venture into the unknown. The imagery of coins and slot machines represents the element of chance and risk inherent in life, where hope and fear intertwine. Ultimately, the narrator finds solace in the idea that we are all connected in this journey of life and death. By living authentically and fearlessly embracing the unknown, the narrator finds a sense of peace and acceptance.