In addition to the reincarnation/rebirth message, I've always interpreted this song as a sort of allegory of America. To hear that Glen Campbell at least intended it to be that way makes me feel a lot better. I see the characters in the song each as archetypes of their respective eras, each embodying the spirit of their age as well as the more enduring spirit of the nation as a whole.
In regards to neosgonzo's comment:
In addition to the reincarnation/rebirth message, I've always interpreted this song as a sort of allegory of America. To hear that Glen Campbell at least intended it to be that way makes me feel a lot better. I see the characters in the song each as archetypes of their respective eras, each embodying the spirit of their age as well as the more enduring spirit of the nation as a whole.