Some detail, since I'm drunk and bored - The song is about the mindset of a reformed criminal. When he refers to being "some little kid who's overgrown" and finding "a tidal wave, that comes from up above", I think he's talking about the selfish and presumably childish perspective of an opportunistic criminal who experiences great difficulty sympathizing with others. But in prison, he is forced into a community and realizes just how wonderful being a part of something can be, even if it is a chain gang. Thus, his not wanting to go back.
Some detail, since I'm drunk and bored - The song is about the mindset of a reformed criminal. When he refers to being "some little kid who's overgrown" and finding "a tidal wave, that comes from up above", I think he's talking about the selfish and presumably childish perspective of an opportunistic criminal who experiences great difficulty sympathizing with others. But in prison, he is forced into a community and realizes just how wonderful being a part of something can be, even if it is a chain gang. Thus, his not wanting to go back.