The narrator recalls a past relationship with a young woman where they both felt lost and found within each other. Despite their efforts, they went the long way, or maybe the wrong way, and eventually parted ways with a sense of regret and uncertainty.

Meaning of "The Long Way" by Dan Fogelberg

"The Long Way" by Dan Fogelberg delves into the complexities of love and relationships, particularly the bittersweet nature of young love that is both passionate and naive. The narrator reflects on a relationship that seemed promising at the time, a journey they embarked on together without fully knowing where it would lead. The repeated refrain of "We went the long way, or maybe just the wrong way" captures the nostalgia for what could have been and the realization that some experiences are meant to shape us even if they don't last. The song speaks to the universal experience of looking back on past relationships with a mix of longing and acceptance, recognizing that some connections are not meant to stand the test of time. It also touches on the idea that sometimes the journey itself is what matters most, rather than the destination. Overall, "The Long Way" is a poignant exploration of the complexities of love, regret, and the passage of time.