Love this song.
It has a 'Cat's In The Cradle' feel to it. I must admit I'm puzzled by it. Is it a juxtaposition between fitting in or following dreams, and maybe the cost attached to each choice?
The cool thing about lyrics is the interpretation is colored by our world view. Parents passed on theirs to him to make friends and get married so not lonely and he had dream that he had a story to tell to more than those he lived. Not sure if parents were managing his expectations. But at 20 he performed and knows life moves forward. My take is do what makes you happy as life is short.and you want to take advantage of every moment before you hit the dirt farm.