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Feb 27th 2011!⃝The song basically chronics the systematic death of the American small town during the latter half of the 20th century.
The first verse is in the 50's when small towns are bustling and proud. Papers were only 10 cents and Buicks were popular. Spirits are high coming off WWII.
The second verse actually names the year, mid sixties. Major shift in the psychology of the country with the civil rights movement and Vietnam. The verse goes to show that the turmoil has even affected small towns which traditionally are thought of as isolated from the bigger problems of the nation.
The third verse is probably referencing the late 70's, early 80's when manufacturing took a big hit in America. Often, a small town was developed around a factory, so when they die, the town dies.
Last verse is the narrator and his wife coming to terms with the bleak future of staying where they grew up. Young families leaving these towns ironicly contributes to their decline. At the end of the song the father thinks it important to bring things full circle and relive his fond memory behind the wheel with his son. A sense of reserved pride no doubt when he tells him this is his hometown.
I am very fond of this song having grown up in Pennsylvania and seeing first hand the sad transformation of small town America. Springsteen handles it with grace.
