Good Intentions Paving Company
Joanna Newsom Lyrics

Twenty miles left to the show.
We are only twenty miles away from the show, as we enter an old country road with stars just beginning to appear. This is a new experience for me.

And it's my heart, not me, who cannot drive, at which conclusion you arrived, watching me sit here, bolt upright, and cry for no good reason at the Eastering sky, and the tilt of this strange nation, and the will to remain for the duration (waving the flag, feeling it drag).
It's not that I am physically unable, but rather my heart is overwhelmed by the tilt of the nation and the feeling of being a part of something much bigger than us. I sit here crying, waving the flag, feeling it drag, and wanting to stay for the long haul.

Like a bump on a bump on a log, baby; like I'm in a fistfight with the fog, baby; step, ball-change, and a pirouette!
I feel stuck and uncertain, like a bump on a log, fighting against the obstacles and uncertainties in life. But I find moments of joy and lightness in dancing and turning around.

And I regret how I said to you, Honey, just open your heart, when I've got trouble even opening a honey jar. And that, right there, is where we are.
I apologize for expecting you to be vulnerable and open with me when I struggle with the same. We are both hesitant and cautious in this relationship.

I've been fessing, double-fast, addressing questions nobody asked. I'll get this joy off of my chest, at last, and I will love you till the noise has long since passed.
I have been confessing and sharing my thoughts and emotions, even if unasked for. I want to express my joy and gratitude for you and your love, and promise to love you even after this moment has passed.

And I did not mean to shout. Just drive. Just get us out, dead or alive. The road's too long to mention--Lord, it's something to see!--laid down by the Good Intentions Paving Company, all the way to the thing we've been playing at, darling. I can see that you're wearing your staying-hat, darling.
I didn't mean to be forceful, but I want to leave this place and experience the open road, venturing toward our goals and future. I recognize your commitment and determination to stay by my side, and I appreciate it.

For the time being, all is well. Won't you love me a spell? This is blindness beyond all conceiving, while, behind us, the road is leaving and leaving, and falling back like a rope gone slack.
Right now everything is good, but I need your love and affection to carry me through. This journey feels endless and incomprehensible, while the road behind us fades away like a lost opportunity.

Well, I saw straightaway that the lay was steep, but I feel for you, honey, easy as falling asleep. And that, right there, is the course I keep.
I knew the road ahead would be difficult and challenging, but my heart feels deeply connected to you and our love. I will continue to pursue this path with you.

And no amount of talking is going to soften the fall, but, like after the rain, step out of the overhang. That's all. It had a nice ring to it, when the old opry house rang, so, with a solemn auld lang syne, sealed, delivered, I sang.
We can't avoid certain hardships and difficulties, but we can find ways to step out of the shadows and find the beauty in the moment. I performed a memorable song at the Opry house and feel content with the experience.

And there is hesitation, and it always remains (concerning you, me, and the rest of the gang). And in our quiet hour, I feel I see everything, and am in love with the hook upon which everyone hangs.
We will always face some uncertainty in our relationship, but in quiet moments I feel connected to everything around me and appreciate the role you and others play in my life.

And I know you meant to show the extent to which you gave a goddang--you ranged real hot and real cold, but I'm sold. I am at home on that range. And I do hate to fold, right here, at the top of my game, when I've been trying with my whole heart and soul to stay right here, in the right lane. But it can make you feel over, and old (Lord, you know it's a shame), when I only want for you to pull over and hold me, till I can't remember my own name.
I understand that you want to express your love and affection for me, even if you vacillate between extremes. I feel comfortable with the range of emotions you display, and I want to stay true to my path, even when it is difficult. Sometimes it can make you feel insecure and old, but ultimately all I need is your love and support during these moments.