Lyrics
Early in the morning, about a quarter to four
Describes the early morning setting, around a quarter to four.
Me and my girlfriend walkin' out the door
The narrator and his girlfriend are leaving their place.
We're heading for the car and we got right in
They enter a car and prepare to leave.
And that's when I noticed the shape she was in
The narrator notices the physical condition or mood of his girlfriend.
She turned to me and said right out
Girlfriend suggests taking a longer route.
Let's steer it awhile, let's steer it about
Expresses the desire to prolong the journey.
Take the long way home, take the long way home
Reiteration of the decision to take the long way home.
Make this night last
Emphasis on making the night memorable.
Well we drove down town and up in the woods
They drive through town and into the woods.
We drove around and around till I understood
The narrator gains understanding while driving around.
I was holding the wheel, she was making out
The narrator holds the wheel while his girlfriend is affectionate.
And all this time I was driving about
The realization that he has been driving without much focus.
She was fondling my hair and hugging my neck
Girlfriend is physically affectionate during the drive.
And all I was thinking was, oh what the heck
The narrator reflects on the situation, expressing a carefree attitude.
Take the long way home, take the long way home
Reiteration of the decision to take the long way home for an extended experience.
Make this night last
Reemphasizes the desire to make the night last.
I was looking in the mirror and to my surprise
Narrator notices police lights in the rearview mirror.
There was two big red lights shining in my eyes
Describes the surprise of being pulled over by the police.
I pull over and he drove alongside
The police officer pulls alongside the narrator.
And out of his car and up to my right
The police officer exits his car and approaches the narrator's vehicle.
He looked at her and she looked at him
The officer and the girlfriend exchange glances.
And the next thing I noticed he got right in
The police officer joins the couple in the car.
Take the long way home, take the long way home
Reiteration of the decision to take the long way home despite the interruption.
Make this night last
Reemphasizes the desire to make the night memorable despite the police encounter.
Take the long way home, take the long way home
Repetition of the decision to take the long way home.
Take the long way home, take the long way home
Further repetition, possibly indicating determination or a longing for a prolonged experience.
Make this night last
Final emphasis on making the night last, despite any obstacles.
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