Meaning of "Old Man At The Mill" by The Dillards

The lyrics of "Old Man At The Mill" can be interpreted as a metaphor for the cyclical nature of life. The image of the old man sitting at the mill, which continuously turns on its own, represents the passage of time and the inevitability of routines. The interactions between the characters, such as the owl, raven, and references to a pretty girl and the old man in Kalamazoo, suggest a sense of observation and commentary on human behavior. The owl's statement of a lonesome day and night could symbolize a feeling of loneliness or solitude that is inherent in life. The raven's commentary about youth and energy, as well as the reference to the old man in Kalamazoo who is unresponsive, could be a reflection on the different stages of life and how we navigate through them. Overall, the lyrics evoke a sense of contemplation on the passage of time, the interactions between individuals, and the cyclical nature of existence.