i think the song is about Self-Actualization that you don't fit society's mold exactly. And also how if you had once had it when you were younger you lose it as you get over. "i'm gonna watch the blue birds fly over my shoulder." Is a more positive aspect, where you are doing well and you are in the prime of your life. "Im gonna watch them pass me by; when i'm older." Is more of the actualization that your time has passed and you can't keep up with the changes or the simple fact that you don't have it anymore.
i think the song is about Self-Actualization that you don't fit society's mold exactly. And also how if you had once had it when you were younger you lose it as you get over. "i'm gonna watch the blue birds fly over my shoulder." Is a more positive aspect, where you are doing well and you are in the prime of your life. "Im gonna watch them pass me by; when i'm older." Is more of the actualization that your time has passed and you can't keep up with the changes or the simple fact that you don't have it anymore.