The Long and Winding Road
The Starlite Orchestra 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" is a lyrical masterpiece that captures the longing and journey of love. The lyrics depict a narrator who is constantly drawn to a particular path that leads to someone's door, metaphorically representing their beloved. Despite the passage of time, this road never fades away and consistently guides the singer back to their destination. It's a reflection of a love that endures and persists, even through hardships and challenges.

The verses also delve into the emotional turmoil experienced by the singer. They speak of a "wild and windy night" that was washed away by rain, leaving behind tears that yearn for a brighter day. The singer pleads for guidance, expressing their vulnerability and the deep desire to be shown the way to their beloved. It is evident that the singer has endured loneliness and heartache, as they mention being alone and crying multiple times. Yet, their efforts to convey and express their love have remained unknown, emphasizing the complexity and depth of their emotions.

With each repetition of the chorus, the lyrics underline the singer's longing. Despite being left standing at the door a long time ago, they refuse to be complacent and continue to wait for their love's return. The song ends with a plea to be led to the door, emphasizing the undeniable connection and the unwavering determination to reach their beloved.

Overall, "The Long and Winding Road" encapsulates the universal experience of love's journey and the persistence of hope and desire.

Line by Line Meaning

The long and winding road
The path I have taken is convoluted and filled with obstacles

That leads to your door
Which ultimately brings me to you

Will never disappear
It will always remain, etched in my memories

I've seen that road before
I have encountered this challenging journey previously

It always leads me here
Yet it consistently brings me to this exact place

Lead me to your door
Guide me to your embrace and presence

The wild and windy night
The stormy and chaotic evening

That the rain washed away
Where the rain cleansed the surroundings

Has left a pool of tears
Resulting in an accumulation of sorrowful emotions

Crying for the day
Yearning for a brighter tomorrow