The character in "Streets of Laredo" reflects on his life as a salaried man, highlighting the constraints that come with such a position. Despite having lost his wife, Katie, whom he valued, he remains bound by the responsibilities of his job and the expectations placed upon him. This loss has not granted him freedom; instead, he feels trapped in a routine dictated by external forces.

The passage underscores a deep sense of longing for autonomy, even in the face of personal tragedy. The protagonist's experience illustrates the tension between personal sorrow and professional obligations, revealing how the loss of a loved one does not necessarily lead to liberation from life's demands. Instead, it serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities of human existence and the responsibilities that can overshadow personal grief.