I first listened to this song in the early 90s, and of course fell in love with it.

Thought then about Poe's poem but not having anyone to talk this with I soon after forgot of this kinship ( in my opinion).

I've listened to the song many many more times since as I also believe B.N. to be one of the greatest poets of song (acquired all I could of his work while I was still buying records,CDs...). Townes is another "miracle". There are quite a few more, luckily. In Spanish as well, the only other language I know fairly decently, my native tongue BTW.

Listening today again, and now w. this great technology at hand I found the poem, and next this entry. Glad I'm not the only one who sees these 2 gents as related. Booze figures quite a bit in Newirth's writing. And Poe's and Townes van Zandt's....
Not trying to theorise about anything here....ha!
Best day you may have, to all.