Ron Jackson is a New York guitarist, composer, arranger, producer, recordin… Read Full Bio ↴Ron Jackson is a New York guitarist, composer, arranger, producer, recording artist, and instructor. He has performed and recorded in over 20 countries as a bandleader and ensemble performer. Ron's style of guitar playing and compositions is a blend of jazz, and other American styles such as soul, rhythm and blues, pop that is influenced by his roots in the Phillipines. Ron has 5 CD's as a leader and has recorded and performed with Taj Majal, Mingus Guitar Orchestra, Benny Golson, Randy Weston, Ron Carter, Oliver Lake, Jaki Byard, Jimmy Cobb, Rufus Reid, Larry Coryell, Jeff "Tain" Watts, Bernard Purdie, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Hank Jones, Gary Bartz, John Hicks,Olantunji, The Boys Choir of Harlem, to name a few. Ron is on the faculty of The New Jersey Performing Arts Center's Wachovia Jazz For Teens Program, Music Outreach, The Brooklyn Conservatory and The New York Pops Create A Symphony Program. He has taught and lectured at the Prins Claus Conservatoire, "New Comes to Groningen" program in The Netherlands, Duke University, The National Summer Guitar Workshop Jazz Summit, The New School, New York University, at Jazzmobile, as well as in clinics in France, Escuela Creativa Musica, Madrid Spain, The United Kingdom, Australia and Portugal. Ron endorses Seymour Duncan pickups, Thomastik-Infeld Strings, Heritage Guitars and Aria Guitars.

The Long and Winding Road
Ron Jackson 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" by Ron Jackson is a poetic ballad that delves into themes of longing, perseverance, and the uncertainties of love. The opening lines depict a path, metaphorically referred to as "the long and winding road," that leads the singer to someone's door. This road is symbolic of the journey the singer takes to reach the person they desire. It is emphasized that this path will never disappear, indicating the singer's unwavering commitment and determination to make their way to their beloved.

The following lines express a sense of familiarity as the singer states their prior experiences with this road, highlighting that it always leads them back to the person they long for. The repetition of the plea "Lead me to your door" signifies the singer's yearning to be reunited with their loved one.

In the second verse, the lyrics shift to describe a melancholic night, accompanied by rain that washes away the pain and sadness. However, the residue of tears left behind represents the lingering emotions and longing for a brighter future. The singer questions why they are left standing alone, desperately seeking guidance and a way forward. The lyrics portray a sense of vulnerability and a plea for the person they desire to provide clarity and direction.

The chorus repeats with the singer expressing their countless lonely moments and efforts made to bridge the gap between them and their beloved. The repetition of the phrase "still they lead me back" further emphasizes the cyclical nature of the journey, suggesting that despite setbacks, the singer remains devoted to finding their way back to the one they love.

Overall, "The Long and Winding Road" captures the enduring quest for love, marked by perseverance and emotional vulnerability. It portrays the struggle and longing felt by the singer as they navigate the complexities of a relationship and yearn for the return of a lost connection.

Line by Line Meaning

The long and winding road
The path that leads through various challenges and complexities

That leads to your door
That ultimately brings me to you

Will never disappear
Will always exist and remain present

I've seen that road before
I've experienced this journey previously

It always leads me here
It consistently brings me to this point

Lead me to your door
Guide me to your presence

The wild and windy night
The turbulent and stormy situation

That the rain washed away
That which was cleansed and swept away by the rain

Has left a pool of tears
Resulted in a collection of sorrowful emotions

Crying for the day
Longing for a brighter future

Why leave me standing here?
Why abandon me in this vulnerable position?