Meaning of "Good Old World (Waltz)" by Tom Waits

The song "Good Old World" by Tom Waits captures a sense of nostalgia and melancholy, reflecting on the passage of time and the inevitable changes that come with growing older. The lyrics juxtapose the innocence of childhood with the harsh realities of adulthood, symbolized by the shifting nature of the moon, sun, and hills. The protagonist longs to return to a time when life was simpler and more beautiful, where love was pure and untouched by the passage of time. The imagery of flowers on a grave and roses symbolizes both life and death, highlighting the bittersweet nature of memories and the fleeting nature of existence. Ultimately, the song evokes a deep sense of longing for a past that can never be recaptured, portraying a universal yearning for a return to a lost innocence.