Fastball bassist Tony Scalzo came up with the idea for the song after reading journalistic articles which described the disappearance of an older married couple, Raymond and Lela Howard from Salado, Texas, who left home in June of 1997 to attend a family reunion but never arrived[1]. They were discovered two weeks later, dead, at the bottom of a ravine near Hot Springs, Arkansas, hundreds of miles off their intended route[2].
About the song, Scalzo said that "It's a romanticized take on what happened" - he "pictured them taking off to have fun, like they did when they first met."
At the beginning of the song, it plays a radio scanning through the FM stations, and one of the songs is Jewel's 1997 song Foolish Games.
the way
Fastball Lyrics
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They left before the sun came up that day
An exit to eternal summer slacking
But where were they going without ever knowing the way?
They drank up the wine and they got to talking
They now had more important things to say
And when the car broke down they started walking
Where were they going without ever knowing the way?
It's always summer they'll never get cold
They'll never get hungry, they'll never get old and gray
You can see their shadows wandering off somewhere
They won't make it home but they really don't care
They wanted the highway, they're happier there today, today
The children woke up and they couldn't find 'em
They left before the sun came up that day
They just drove off and left it all behind 'em
Where were they going without ever knowing the way?
Anyone can see the road that they walk on is paved with gold
It's always summer they'll never get cold
They'll never get hungry, they'll never get old and gray
You can see their shadows wandering off somewhere
They won't make it home but they really don't care
They wanted the highway, they're happier there today, today
Anyone can see the road that they walk on is paved with gold
It's always summer they'll never get cold
They'll never get hungry, they'll never get old and gray
You can see their shadows wandering off somewhere
They won't make it home but they really don't care
They wanted the highway, they're happier there today, today
The lyrics to Fastball’s iconic song The Way are open to interpretation, though a common interpretation suggests it is a commentary on the American Dream; the idea that individuals and families can achieve a life of prosperity and happiness through hard work, determination, and risk-taking. The opening lines “They made up their minds and they started packing, They left before the sun came up” suggest that the singers of the story are setting out on an adventure or journey. The lines “An exit to eternal summer slacking” and “Anyone can see the road that they walk on is paved with gold, It's always summer they'll never get cold” suggest that their destination is a paradise-like environment. However, the fact that they are “without ever knowing the way” suggests that their journey is actually a quest for this paradise, rather than simply setting out to enjoy it.
The lyrics also suggest a sense of rebellion and escapism. The line “And when the car broke down they started walking” implies that they are willing to face the challenges that come with breaking free from the status quo, and are willing to take risks to achieve their dreams. The lines “They wanted the highway, they're happier there today” suggest that the singers are willing to abandon their old lives in pursuit of personal happiness, regardless of the consequences.
Overall, The Way is a cautionary tale about the search for paradise and the dangers that come with chasing elusive dreams. While the singers of the story may seem happy and carefree, their pursuit of happiness ultimately leads to them losing touch with reality, and becoming lost in a world of their own creation.
Line by Line Meaning
They made up their minds and they started packing
They decided to embark on a journey and began packing their belongings
They left before the sun came up that day
They departed early, while it was still dark outside
An exit to eternal summer slacking
Their destination was a place where they could relax and enjoy a perpetual summer
But where were they going without ever knowing the way?
Despite not knowing their destination, they were still determined to leave
They drank up the wine and they got to talking
As they were leaving, they relaxed with drinks and conversation
They now had more important things to say
Their conversation grew serious as they discussed matters that were significant to them
And when the car broke down they started walking
Their vehicle malfunctioned and they had no choice but to continue on foot
Where were they going without ever knowing the way?
Even after their car broke down, they were still journeying without a clear destination
Anyone can see the road that they walk on is paved with gold
Their journey seems full of promise and opportunity
It's always summer they'll never get cold
Their destination seems to be a place of comfort and warmth
They'll never get hungry, they'll never get old and gray
Their journey promises perpetual youth and abundance
You can see their shadows wandering off somewhere
Despite not knowing their destination, they continue to move forward with purpose
They won't make it home but they really don't care
They are willing to sacrifice their former life to pursue their journey
They wanted the highway, they're happier there today, today
Their journey is what they wanted, and it brings them happiness
The children woke up and they couldn't find 'em
The family they left behind wakes up to find them gone
They just drove off and left it all behind 'em
They left behind their former life without hesitation
Where were they going without ever knowing the way?
The path they have chosen is still unclear to them, but they continue forward
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Anthony M. Scalzo
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind