Meaning of "The Wagoner's Lad" by The Duhks

The lyrics of "The Wagoner's Lad" shed light on the limited agency and autonomy that women historically had in society. The protagonist, representing women in general, is torn between her desire for love and companionship, and the expectations and restrictions placed upon her by her family and societal norms. Despite her feelings for the wagoner's lad, she is at the mercy of her parents' disapproval and the economic constraints that prevent her from running away with him. The song exposes the bleak reality that many women faced, where they were essentially treated as property first by their parents and then by their husbands, with little say in their own lives or destinies. It serves as a poignant reminder of the oppressive structures that have confined women throughout history.