Restless by James McMurtry is a song about a woman who becomes restless and unpredictable at times, leaving the narrator feeling a little down and uncertain. The song describes how this woman can be affected by changes in the wind and how she might follow the lines of a song or a charismatic speaker. The narrator seems to have a love-hate relationship with her, as he recognizes that her unpredictability can be exciting but also frustrating. The song suggests that the woman is independent and needs her space, as she is able to lock the narrator out and "get clean away" from him. The narrator seems to accept this, acknowledging that she will come back to him if he lets her be. The lyrics also suggest that the narrator himself can become restless, particularly when the woman retreats into her shell and stops talking. He compares this feeling to being alone on the highway in Utah, waving to a passing train. Overall, Restless is a song about the ups and downs of a relationship with an unpredictable partner. The lyrics explore themes of independence, space, and the need for personal growth and change.
