I stood and looked across the water
I had to get to the other side
Because I knew that you'd be waitinâ
I didn't want to take the long way âround.
The captain said the ship was leavinâ
And that we'd better get on board
I settled down to watch the sunrise
And wondered if I'd see the sun go down.
The sea was rough and the wind was howlinâ
But I was laughing all the way
I didn't care about the weather
Because I knew that you'd be waitinâ
I didn't want to take the long way âround
Then a stranger sat beside me
It was my brother in disguise
He said he knew where I was goinâ
He asked me why I took the long way âround.
The sea was rough and the wind was howlinâ
But I was laughing all the way
I didn't listen to the stranger
Because I knew that you'd be waitinâ
I didn't want to take the long way âround
At last, I came to my destination
The stranger turned and walked away
He didn't know where he was goinâ
He said he had to take the long way âround.
I stood and looked across the water
I thought of what I'd left behind
Because I knew that you'd be waitinâ
I didn't want to take the long way âround.
Because I knew that you'd be waitinâ
I didn't want to take the long way âround.
Organ/Piano: Tom Parker
Lead Vocals: Gerry Rafferty
Backing Vocals: Gerry Rafferty / Joe Egan
