The narrator goes for a walk on a summer morning and observes people going back to work at the factory. He notices a beautiful girl among them, who seems to reject the routine of factory work for a more affluent lifestyle.

Meaning of "Factory Girl" by The Chieftains

The lyrics of "Factory Girl" depict the contrast between the mundanity of working in a factory and the desire for something more. The narrator's observation of the factory workers courtin' and going back to work symbolizes the cyclical nature of their lives, where they are trapped in a routine without much excitement or fulfillment. The factory girl's rejection of the narrator's advances and declaration of having gold and silver in her pocket represents her aspirations for a better life beyond the confines of the factory. This song reflects themes of longing for freedom, beauty, and a better future amidst the daily grind of labor.