The song "The Road Is Closed" by Ernest Tubb is about a person who has made a terrible mistake and wants to apologize and seek forgiveness from their loved one. The narrator acknowledges that they have let their partner down and their eyes have been filled with sadness ever since that fateful day. The title, "The Road Is Closed," serves as a metaphor for the inability to return to their loved one's embrace. The narrator expresses their desire to come back home and be welcomed back into their partner's arms, but they feel like the path towards reconciliation is currently blocked. They have made attempts and tried to make amends, but it seems that they are unable to fully make up for their actions. The narrator reveals that there is a fire burning inside their heart, representing the pain and regret they feel. They believe that only their partner's forgiveness can alleviate this agony. They understand that their conscience carries a heavy burden for the mistake they made, but they long to be forgiven and have their relationship restored. Overall, the song illustrates the internal struggle of someone who deeply regrets their actions and desperately wants to come home and mend their relationship. However, they feel trapped and helpless, as the road towards reconciliation seems closed for now.
