I agree with what most people have said; that he talks about moving away from having an individualistic ideology, to a more communal one, and that it is better to help others than just to serve the self. But I think that, as the title suggests, this song is more about the helplessness of not knowing how to do that.
He says that he doesn't know what he should do, or who he should trust; which i think is perhaps an examination of those in power; he feels disillusionment with his position in life, because there is so much wrong with the world, that he doesn't know where to fit in. He doesn't know what he should do, and he doesn't trust anyone to tell him what to do.
Because of this, i think the end represents a desire for simplicity. The image of working in an orchard is quite a romantic one; with its links to nature, and its promotion of life. If he had something that he knew was completely good, he would work til he was sore. But he doesn't.
And yet, I don't really get the impression that it is a pessimistic song in particular. He still seems to have a belief that things will work out eventually.
I agree with what most people have said; that he talks about moving away from having an individualistic ideology, to a more communal one, and that it is better to help others than just to serve the self. But I think that, as the title suggests, this song is more about the helplessness of not knowing how to do that.
He says that he doesn't know what he should do, or who he should trust; which i think is perhaps an examination of those in power; he feels disillusionment with his position in life, because there is so much wrong with the world, that he doesn't know where to fit in. He doesn't know what he should do, and he doesn't trust anyone to tell him what to do.
Because of this, i think the end represents a desire for simplicity. The image of working in an orchard is quite a romantic one; with its links to nature, and its promotion of life. If he had something that he knew was completely good, he would work til he was sore. But he doesn't.
And yet, I don't really get the impression that it is a pessimistic song in particular. He still seems to have a belief that things will work out eventually.
this is true. also it is a helplessness he feels from escaping his selfishness, which would ultimately make that choice for him.
this is true. also it is a helplessness he feels from escaping his selfishness, which would ultimately make that choice for him.