I believe that the meaning of the song is found in the first verse, where we see death clearly presented in illusion and imagery. Casey (whom I believe is Casey Jones based on the songs title and the turn of the century lingo) has recently become deceased and we are witnessing his 'last ride' into the afterlife. The remainder of the song is a vague first and third person account of his last thoughts, interactions, and activities that precede the famous wreck that took his life.
I believe that the meaning of the song is found in the first verse, where we see death clearly presented in illusion and imagery. Casey (whom I believe is Casey Jones based on the songs title and the turn of the century lingo) has recently become deceased and we are witnessing his 'last ride' into the afterlife. The remainder of the song is a vague first and third person account of his last thoughts, interactions, and activities that precede the famous wreck that took his life.