The speaker reflects on a profound sense of freedom and elevation while contrasting it with the mundane, oppressive elements of everyday life. The imagery evokes disdain for the commonplace world, represented by the "turnpike earth" scarred by the wear of people and animals. This harsh reality symbolizes the limitations of a life driven by conformity and societal expectations.

In contrast, the speaker finds solace and inspiration in the vastness and majesty of the sea, which remains untouched by human marks and records. This admiration for the sea signifies a yearning for authenticity and a deeper connection to nature, highlighting the speaker's desire to escape from the constraints of civilization and to embrace a more noble and unblemished existence.