Meaning of "1968" by Turnpike Troubadours

The lyrics of "1968" evoke feelings of nostalgia and longing for the past. The mention of a dark-haired girl in a Cadillac and the imagery of an old forgotten town reflect a longing for simpler times and lost love. The protagonist reconnects with an old friend, reminiscing about the past and acknowledging the changes that have taken place. The references to the year 1968 and the mention of catching a bullet speak to the tumultuousness of that era and the impact it had on individuals. The lyrics suggest that the friend was involved in revolutionary activities or at least deeply affected by the events of that time. The mention of the April rounds fired and tear drops hitting the ground in Memphis, Tennessee, references the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. and the ensuing protests. The overall meaning of the song is one of reflection, nostalgia, and the bittersweetness of reconnecting with someone who has been absent for a long time.