Lyric discussion by aafrazier82 

Cover art for Barton Hollow lyrics by Civil Wars, The

I think that is all to literal. I think the song is about having sins or guilts that are impossible to carry. You can't go back and fix them, and no matter how far you set yourself from them they still keep you awake at night. You're just left with this heavy burden. There is no forgiveness and you feel as even God himself wouldn't forgive you so, you are nothing more than a dead man/woman walking.

My Interpretation