Lyric discussion by JBeast 

Cover art for Midnight Rider lyrics by Allman Brothers Band, The

The lyrics wreak of desperation, save for the recurring reference to that last silver dollar. Surely a dollar isn't enough to sustain a human body. It seems more like something that sustains a desperate soul. Maybe hope? Maybe a phrase overheard in a casino (false hope). Whatever that silver dollar represents, it seems to define the ability to muster the will to survive with even the smallest chance. Most likely a tune more appreciated by non-conformists. So very well-received when it was released in 1970.

I've always thought it was a reference to pride. I know several men who no matter what will keep one dollar on them at all times. My husband told me it was a pride thing. Who knows. I may be way off on thinking that. Great song.

I was told once that silver dollar was slang for an oz of cocaine. /shrug