James McMurtry：Meaning of Down Across The Delaware Songmeaning

The song "Down Across The Delaware" by James McMurtry tells the story of a couple who are struggling to make ends meet in their old building. Despite paying their bills, the building seems to have a mind of its own and shuts off the heat for no known reason. The couple's communication has dwindled, and they barely speak to each other except for small talk over take-out pizza. Feeling hopeless and restless, the narrator decides to move out of town and start fresh. They pack their belongings into a U-Haul and head south towards the Delaware River. The song suggests that the couple's financial difficulties may be a result of living in a town where there are limited opportunities to make a living. As the narrator reflects on their past, they recall bumping into a familiar stranger begging for change on the uptown six train. The interaction makes the narrator realize how close they are to hitting rock bottom. They thank their lucky stars for having a roof over their head and food to eat, despite their struggles. The song's chorus expresses the narrator's determination to wait out the winter and return to the town in the spring to give it another try. Overall, the song portrays the struggles of working-class individuals and the hope they hold onto, even during their darkest times.