The Long Way Around
Dixiechicks Lyrics

My friends from high school
I know people who stayed close to home, even after graduating.

Married their high school boyfriends
They settled down with their high school sweethearts.

Moved into houses in the same ZIP codes
They stayed in their hometown and didn't venture too far.

Where their parents live
They are still close to their family and their childhood roots.

But I, I could never follow
I couldn't do what they did, I needed to explore and see the world.

I hit the highway in a pink RV with stars on the ceiling
I left home in style, with a fancy RV that made me feel adventurous and free.

Lived like a gypsy
I didn't have a fixed place to call 'home' and kept moving like a nomadic wanderer.

Six strong hands on the steering wheel
I drove with confidence, knowing that I had control of my own journey.

I've been a long time gone now
I've been away from home for a long time now.

Maybe someday, someday I'm gonna settle down
Although I am still restless and wandering right now, I might settle down in the future.

But I've always found my way somehow
I've always managed to navigate through unfamiliar places and situations.

By taking the long way
I chose the difficult path; the scenic path that was unconventional and not well-traveled.

Taking the long way around
I intentionally chose to take the longer, more complex route.

I met the queen of whatever
I met people of different types without any prejudice and treated them with respect.

Drank with the Irish and smoked with the hippies
I enjoyed different cultures and ideas, and even had some fun experiences along the way.

Moved with the shakers
I mingled with people of high status and influence.

Wouldn't kiss all the asses that they told me to
I wasn't interested in seeking favor with influential or wealthy people.

It's been two long years now
It's been two years since something happened that changed my life.

Since the top of the world came crashing down
Since something happened that shattered my dreams and hopes.

And I'm getting' it back on the road now
I am getting back to my journey, and not letting past setbacks hold me back.

Oh I just take my time, I won't lie down
I don't give up easily, and am willing to take time to achieve what I want.

Well, I fought with a stranger and I met myself
I had to face my fears and weaknesses, and discovered my true self.

I opened my mouth and I heard myself
I expressed myself, and realized what I wanted and believed in.

It can get pretty lonely when you show yourself
It can be difficult to be honest and vulnerable with oneself and with others.

Guess I could have made it easier on myself
I could have avoided the difficulties of self-discovery by following others and fitting in.

Well, I never seem to do it like anybody else
I am not like everyone else, and do things differently.

If you ever want to find me I can still be found
If anyone ever wants to catch up with me, they can still find me.

Taking the long way
I am still on my unconventional, long, and winding journey.

Taking the long way around
I am still choosing to take the more complex and unconventional path.