Meaning of "Lucky Henry" by Walter Becker

The lyrics of "Lucky Henry" seem to depict a sense of transience and impermanence in life. Lucky Henry represents a nomadic figure, always on the move and never settling in one place for too long. The references to Hollywood, Bakersfield, and Elsinore hint at a journey through different phases of life and different landscapes, with each place marking a different chapter in Lucky Henry's story. The repetition of being lost and found, burning bridges, and disappearing kind suggests a cycle of reinvention and constant change. The narrator's observant tone adds a layer of detachment, perhaps highlighting the fleeting nature of human existence and the inevitability of moving on. The rain of boxcars can be interpreted as a metaphor for the relentless flow of time and experiences that shape our lives. Overall, the lyrics of "Lucky Henry" paint a picture of a life lived on the edge of society, constantly in flux and forever moving forward.