Lyric discussion by Aquarius121 

Cover art for Railroad Boy lyrics by Magnetic Fields, The

It's about leaving someone behind because it's in your best interest. Stopping, telling them it's over. There's no particular reason - or maybe there is, but it's vague - it's just time for whatever you had with that person to end. You're not getting what you're giving, and you've given enough. They can continue living their life. You're starting a new one. They can keep going down their path - you're turning around.