The first time I heard this song, it blew me away. I think the first verse sets up the song with the lyric "And the old man mowing down his lawn He didn't look like much too bad a guy" I believe this song is another one of Townes depression songs, with the afformentioned lyric being about him, realising things aint so bad. Im leaning toward thinking its about his time spent in the reformatory, with lyrics like "I told Miss Higgs and she said fine As long as you're back in your room on time I keep you clean and the girls will keep you fed" and his finally leaving the reformatory with the lyric "Well, goodbye friends, it's time to close Everybody knows that's the way it goes Where was it you lived in case I'm ever there Well, three doors down and two behind And it gets a little bit out of hand sometimes Don't let it fool you into thinkin you don't care" this lyric is one of the most moving lyrics I've heard. And in my opinion in the same league as lily, rosemary and the jack of hearts. Great song from a great songwriter who will be sorely missed. Peace, Love and music. Rest in Peace Mr Townes Van Zandt Iain.