I'm pretty sure the lyrics mean that the guy ended up keeping his woman and child, doing right by them, and they by him. The last verse is simply him reminiscing about his old state of mind, it's the part of him that never wanted kids, regretting the road not taken. But that doesn't mean he's unhappy or has regrets. He's happy with his choice, but is nostalgic about what might have been.
I've been thinking about the lyrics ever since it was released in 1976, so I'm pretty sure on my take.
I'm pretty sure the lyrics mean that the guy ended up keeping his woman and child, doing right by them, and they by him. The last verse is simply him reminiscing about his old state of mind, it's the part of him that never wanted kids, regretting the road not taken. But that doesn't mean he's unhappy or has regrets. He's happy with his choice, but is nostalgic about what might have been.
I've been thinking about the lyrics ever since it was released in 1976, so I'm pretty sure on my take.