Song meaning of Like William McKinley by Al Stewart

The lyrics of "Like William McKinley" by Al Stewart convey a sense of longing and resignation after a lost love. The protagonist receives a letter from someone far away, likely the person they once loved, and already knows what it must say. Instead of opening it, they choose to retreat into their own world, reminiscent of the dream they were having before love went astray. The reference to William McKinley, the 25th President of the United States, implies a desire for simplicity and detachment from the chaos of the world.

The protagonist finds solace in sitting on their porch and letting the world come to them. They have no desire to be amidst the busyness and hustle of life, content in their solitude. Opening a window and staring at the overcast sky symbolizes a glimpse into the reality of their lost love, but they choose to put it away in a drawer in their mind and bid all of their troubles goodbye.

The deserted country around them reflects the emptiness they feel after their love interest left. The footprints frozen in white symbolize the memories and impact the person left behind. Despite the heartache, the protagonist remains steadfast, opting for a peaceful and introspective existence, much like William McKinley on his porch.

Overall, the song conveys a bittersweet sentiment of accepting the loss of love, finding contentment in simplicity, and choosing to detach from the chaos of the world.