Lyric discussion by JMLiles 

Cover art for Flyin' Shoes lyrics by Townes Van Zandt

The song is about realizing ones fate and preparing for it. In this story it's a grim fate. Tying on the flyin' shoes is a clear reference to dying - taking the one last big trip. The storyteller would like to stay but he seems to have no choice. It's a very beautiful and yet at the same time completely hopeless song.

Song Meaning