I have heard that this song makes reference to Greek mythology, which seems quite plausible in the lyrics. The boats represent the boaths used to carry the souls over the river Styx in the afterlife. Also interesting is that the pilots of these boats are called Tillermen. The flower represents innocence, possibly as do Mary and the parson; although they may also be "committing the original sin."
I have heard that this song makes reference to Greek mythology, which seems quite plausible in the lyrics. The boats represent the boaths used to carry the souls over the river Styx in the afterlife. Also interesting is that the pilots of these boats are called Tillermen. The flower represents innocence, possibly as do Mary and the parson; although they may also be "committing the original sin."
For more on this, check out this site: http://www.songfacts.com/detail.lasso?id=2763