Roger McGuinn (born James McGuinn III) is most famous for being a founding … Read Full Bio ↴Roger McGuinn (born James McGuinn III) is most famous for being a founding member, singer, guitarist, and songwriter in The Byrds. Since that band's demise he has had moderate success as a solo artist, working with many other artists, including Bob Dylan and Tom Petty. Some of his solo material has appeared in films, such as 1969's Easy Rider.
Roger, along with the other Byrds members, was honored with an induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1991.

So Long
Roger McGuinn Lyrics

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Well I'm headin' for the good old days
I don't even have to change my ways
I got a song to sing and I'll be on my way

I've been waitin' for the time to come
Well I have to pack my bags and run
And say goodbye to all I'm leavin' behind

I say so long, so long
Goodbye, goodbye, so long

I say so long, so long
Goodbye, goodbye, so long

Well I'm leavin' for the very last time
I'm only takin' what's rightfully mine
I'd like to see you try and hold me back again

Well I'm headin' for the good old days
I don't even have to change my ways
And baby I'll be gone when I have had my say

I say so long, so long
Goodbye, goodbye, so long

So long, so long
Goodbye, goodbye, so long

I said so long, so long
Goodbye, goodbye, so long

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Roger McGuinn's "So Long" express a strong desire to leave behind the current situation and return to simpler, easier times. The singer suggests that he doesn't even have to change his ways to go back there, and that he has a song to sing to help him along. There is a note of defiance in the lines "I'd like to see you try and hold me back again," indicating that there may have been resistance or obstacles in the past that prevented the singer from leaving.

The repetition of "so long, goodbye" adds emphasis to the finality of the departure and the need for closure. The use of the phrase "very last time" also implies that there may have been previous attempts or desires to leave, but this time it is for good. Overall, the song conveys a sense of longing for a simpler time and the determination to leave behind anything that may stand in the way of achieving that goal.

Line by Line Meaning

Well I'm headin' for the good old days
I am going back to a time in my life when things were better

I don't even have to change my ways
I don't have to alter my behavior or habits because I am going back to a familiar place.

I got a song to sing and I'll be on my way
I have a message to share, and then I'll be leaving.

I've been waitin' for the time to come
I have been patiently anticipating this moment.

Well I have to pack my bags and run
I need to leave quickly and abruptly.

And say goodbye to all I'm leavin' behind
I must bid farewell to those I am leaving behind.

I say so long, so long
I am bidding farewell in a casual way.

Goodbye, goodbye, so long
I am leaving and saying goodbye to everyone.

Well I'm leavin' for the very last time
This is the final time I will be departing.

I'm only takin' what's rightfully mine
I am only taking what is rightfully mine and belongs to me.

I'd like to see you try and hold me back again
I challenge anyone to try and stop me from leaving again.