The Last Boat of the Day by Merle Haggard is a song about the long-distance love affair between two people who are separated by distance. The protagonist is eagerly waiting for his lover to arrive and is struggling to hold on until then. The song begins with the protagonist recalling the last phone conversation they had, where his lover promised to come home soon. He is hopeful about their future together and looks forward to celebrating their reunion with champagne. As the day goes by, the protagonist realizes that he is alone and wishes that he could be doing something else, like fishing or collecting sea-shells. He is missing his lover terribly and is feeling miserable. The sun sets, and the last boat of the day arrives, but his lover is not on it. However, the protagonist remains hopeful that his lover will arrive on the next one and is determined to hold on until then. The Last Boat of the Day is a poignant song that captures the struggles and anxieties of long-distance relationships. It speaks to the hopefulness and determination of individuals who are willing to wait for their loved ones, no matter how difficult it may be.
