I'm a lifetime student of writing, and one of the things you learn very quickly is that detail = evocation. So it's no surprise that this song makes you feel as if you are right there, as he pours out all the things, people, actions, etc. he witnesses. And by listing them, he gives them importance. Suddenly all the small things become terribly important, almost shining - as happens when faced with mortaility.
I'm a lifetime student of writing, and one of the things you learn very quickly is that detail = evocation. So it's no surprise that this song makes you feel as if you are right there, as he pours out all the things, people, actions, etc. he witnesses. And by listing them, he gives them importance. Suddenly all the small things become terribly important, almost shining - as happens when faced with mortaility.