The song "Different Boats" by Hayes Carll is about the different paths and journeys we all take in life. The lyrics describe how everyone is unique and has their own way of navigating through the challenges and opportunities that arise. The metaphor of boats on a river is used to illustrate this point. Some people may have it easy and sail smoothly, while others struggle and may even feel like they are up a creek without a paddle. However, despite these differences, everyone is headed towards the same destination - the sea. The song also touches on the diversity of people's beliefs and lifestyles. Some may choose to live a more reckless and carefree life, while others may have a strong religious faith. Ultimately, the message is that we should respect each other's differences and be understanding of the paths we all take. The chorus emphasizes the notion of time and the importance of going at our own pace. Hayes Carll sings, "You row your boat, I'll row mine, We'll both get there in our own sweet time, Our own sweet time." This implies that it's okay to live life at our own pace and that we should not compare ourselves to others or feel pressured to keep up. Overall, the song "Different Boats" is a reminder that life is unpredictable and that everyone has their own unique journey. While our paths may be different, we are all headed towards the same destination and should embrace our differences along the way.