Seems to me the song is a portrait. Doesn't have to be a self-portrait.

It's possible to like & sing "Samuel Hall" even if you don't share Sam's attitude.

I used to like & sing the "Red-Headed Stranger" before Willie came out with it because it's funny: a caricature -- "Can't hang a man for shootin' a woman/ Who's tryin' to steal his horse."

Art isn't entirely confessional.

clint