Interesting to see this old thread again, and see how it had explored other ways of reading the song. Or rather, extra ways. I don't think there is only one way of understanding a song, even the plot of a song.

I like the idea of it's being his old mother he's visiting, and it makes sense - stockings can just as easily mean warm woolen stockings as nylons - if it is long enough to cover the knees, I'd call it a stocking, either on a man or woman, if it isn't long enough, I'd call it a sock, man or woman. That might be my generation talking.

"Just a kiss to make a body smile" sounds very much like on old lady of a previous generation", perhaps particularly so if Irish. "So blessed good to feel your body" maybe less so, but quite possible, and no need to take it as meaning anything innappropriate.

It doesn't really alter too much either way. He's been saying goodbye to someone he doesn't expect to see again, and he's feeling his life is on a downward spiral. Haven't we all felt like that sometimes?