Meaning of "Barton Hollow" by The Civil Wars

The lyrics of "Barton Hollow" by The Civil Wars delve into themes of guilt, fear, and the search for redemption. The narrator is burdened by their past actions and feels as though they are living a life of impending doom. They describe themselves as a dead man walking, indicating that they feel like their life has no purpose or hope for a better future.

The references to "Barton Hollow" represent a place of darkness and sin, a place the narrator does not want to return to. They fear that no matter where they go, the devil will follow them, symbolizing the consequences of their actions. They acknowledge that simply washing in the river or seeking the help of a preacher cannot save their soul, highlighting their belief that their sins are too great to be absolved by conventional means.

The mention of the full moon and the unmarked hundred grand suggest that the narrator may have been compelled to commit a crime, possibly due to external influences or desperate circumstances. They question whether these external factors forced their hand, indicating a struggle between personal accountability and external pressures in their actions.

The line "Miles and miles in my bare feet, still can't lay me down to sleep" conveys a sense of restlessness and the inability to find peace. The guilt and fear they carry prevent them from finding solace or being able to rest their weary soul. The narrator also expresses a belief that even if they were to die, their soul would not be accepted by the Lord, emphasizing their feelings of unworthiness and hopelessness.

In the repetition of the phrase "Keep walking and running and running for miles," the narrator suggests a constant state of escape and running away from their past. However, this continuous endeavor seems futile, as their sins continue to haunt them.

Overall, "Barton Hollow" explores the internal struggles of a guilt-ridden individual seeking forgiveness and redemption. The lyrics touch on themes of sin, fear, and the longing for absolution, painting a vivid portrayal of a person trapped in the cycle of their own transgressions.