In the last verse, Isbell is akin to a modern day guitar slinging John Henry, both using unique skills they were born with. He feels like just a cog in the wheels of the music industry to be used until broken then replaced. But if he don't bust his ass flying to L.A.(or anywhere else a long distance from home) with no rest in sight, then some other bastard will.
John Henry and Isbell both know its futile to fight the man but are compelled to do it anyway. Free will? To some extent. But fighting the man on the way out makes for a great tale.
In the last verse, Isbell is akin to a modern day guitar slinging John Henry, both using unique skills they were born with. He feels like just a cog in the wheels of the music industry to be used until broken then replaced. But if he don't bust his ass flying to L.A.(or anywhere else a long distance from home) with no rest in sight, then some other bastard will.
John Henry and Isbell both know its futile to fight the man but are compelled to do it anyway. Free will? To some extent. But fighting the man on the way out makes for a great tale.