For me this song is about someone who's lover "Kathleen" has died. He has lost everything and is now wandering aimlessly through life.
The first verse is more literal, with him homeless laying down beside the road penniless; having either loss all his money caring for the dying Kathleen or due to his meltdown after her death.
He is now just waiting/hoping to die as the cars drive by him.
For me this song is about someone who's lover "Kathleen" has died. He has lost everything and is now wandering aimlessly through life.
The first verse is more literal, with him homeless laying down beside the road penniless; having either loss all his money caring for the dying Kathleen or due to his meltdown after her death.
He is now just waiting/hoping to die as the cars drive by him.