Meaning of "Long Way Back Home" by Barenaked Ladies

The song "Long Way Back Home" delves into the complex emotions felt when being physically distant from a loved one, struggling with the idea of leaving and returning, feeling isolated even when together, and the painful realization of a relationship's impending end. The repetition of "It's a long way back home" symbolizes the arduous journey of reconnecting with oneself and with another person after feeling lost and disconnected. The line "For the first time I knew what to do" suggests a fleeting moment of clarity and understanding in the relationship, only to be followed by uncertainty and regret. The mention of planning for the future while acknowledging the impossibility of reaching a distant star or getting there by car highlights the longing for a deeper connection and the bittersweet nature of longing for a different reality. Overall, the song captures the essence of longing, distance, and the challenges of finding one's way back to a place of comfort, both physically and emotionally.