The Long and Winding Road
17. The Beatles Lyrics

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The long and winding road
That leads to your door
Will never disappear
I've seen that road before
It always leads me here
Lead me to you door

The wild and windy night

That the rain washed away
Has left a pool of tears
Crying for the day
Why leave me standing here?
Let me know the way

Many times I've been alone
And many times I've cried
Anyway, you'll never know
The many ways I've tried

And still they lead me back
To the long winding road
You left me standing here
A long, long time ago
Don't leave me waiting here
Lead me to your door

But still they lead me back
To the long winding road
You left me standing here
A long, long time ago
Don't keep me waiting here
Lead me to your door

Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah

Overall Meaning

"The Long And Winding Road" is a heartfelt and introspective ballad by The Beatles. The lyrics depict a journey, both physical and emotional, towards an elusive destination, which is symbolized as a metaphorical door. The singer acknowledges that this road, full of twists and turns, will always lead them back to that door. It carries a sense of longing and desperation, as they plead to be shown the way and not be left waiting.

The song also references a "wild and windy night" where the rain washed away something significant, leaving behind a pool of tears. This phrase further represents a metaphorical cleansing or healing process. The singer is left standing in the aftermath, yearning for guidance and answers, while expressing their frustration at not being understood or appreciated. They reveal the countless times they've been alone and cried, emphasizing the depth of their emotions and the extent to which they've tried to understand and reach their destination.

Line by Line Meaning

The long and winding road
Life's journey is often complicated and unpredictable

That leads to your door
That brings me closer to you and your presence

Will never disappear
Will always be present and influential

I've seen that road before
I've experienced this challenging path previously

It always leads me here
It consistently brings me back to this place or situation

Lead me to your door
Guide me towards finding solace, comfort, or resolution with you

The wild and windy night
The tumultuous and unpredictable moments in life

That the rain washed away
That has been cleansed or purified by the rain's presence

Has left a pool of tears
Has resulted in an accumulation of sadness and sorrow

Crying for the day
Yearning for a brighter and happier future

Why leave me standing here?
Why abandon me in this vulnerable and uncertain state?