"Last Hobo" is a song by John Denver that tells the story of a man who was born in International Falls, a town in Minnesota, but later moved to Tucumcari, New Mexico. The man worked as an ironworker but had to leave when the work became slow. The lyrics describe him as someone who had to work hard for every dime, living a tough life and struggling to make ends meet. Feeling restless and unsatisfied with his life, the man decides to leave everything behind and embark on a journey, walking what seems to be an endless road. He becomes a hobo, traveling on the last boxcar of the last freight train leaving. This signifies that he is the last of his kind, as the era of hobos and traveling by train is coming to an end. Throughout his life, the man has taken on various jobs, from shoeing mules to driving trucks, always doing his best with a sense of pride. However, his one true love, Ramona, seems to be the reason for his happiness. When she leaves him, his spirit is broken, and it's as if the fire inside him goes out. The protagonist becomes a mysterious figure who rarely appears and only stays for short periods of time. Whenever he does come around, he asks about Ramona, implying that she is still on his mind. However, he claims he is only passing through, possibly still searching for her. As the song progresses, it is implied that the man has spent a significant amount of time traveling on freight trains and is familiar with railroad security guards (railroad bulls) and hobo camps scattered across the country. Despite his experience and encounters, he still longs for Ramona and continues his search, even as he feels the weight of time catching up with him. The overall meaning of the song portrays a man who has lived a difficult life as a hobo, but his love for Ramona keeps him motivated and searching. However, as he grows older, his chances of finding her diminish, symbolized by the sinking sun. "Last Hobo" reflects on the struggles, wanderlust, and elusive dreams of a man who exists on the fringes of society.
