Meaning of "Hellhound on My Trail" by The Mountain Goats

"Hellhound on My Trail" by The Mountain Goats taps into the theme of existential dread and the feeling of being pursued by something ominous or unavoidable. The repeated refrain of "gotta keep moving" suggests a sense of urgency and fear, as if the speaker is trying to outrun their own troubles or demons. The comparison of blues falling like hail alludes to a torrent of emotions or difficulties raining down on the speaker, adding to the sense of pressure and stress. The mention of a hellhound on their trail conjures up images of a relentless pursuer, a symbol of impending doom or consequences that cannot be evaded. The longing for a "little rider" to make the world fade away hints at a desire for escape or protection from the overwhelming challenges that the speaker is facing. Overall, the lyrics paint a vivid picture of someone grappling with inner turmoil and the need to keep moving forward despite the ever-present threat that looms behind them.