"Oh Brother" by James Taylor is a song about the struggles and challenges faced by someone returning home after being away. The lyrics speak to the desire to help and support this person in any way possible. It emphasizes the need for compassion and understanding when someone comes back to their old life. The song suggests that the person returning home may be going through difficult times and that they may have experienced hardships before. The line "the same mess of misery that you done been through" indicates that the troubles they faced previously might still be waiting for them when they come back. The lyrics also touch on the idea of temptation and the potential for falling back into past habits or addictions. The line "one kiss leads to another, brother, when you come back home" implies that there might be challenges or temptations waiting for them upon their return. Despite these challenges, the song offers a glimmer of hope and the possibility of positive experiences. The line "that moon will be shining in the trees all night long, something bound to happen for sure" suggests that there is potential for something good or significant to occur upon their return. Overall, "Oh Brother" encourages empathy, support, and understanding for those who are facing difficulties and are in need of help when they come back home. It portrays the complex emotions and circumstances that can arise in such situations.