Meaning of "Come A Long Way" by Loudon Wainwright III

"Come A Long Way" by Loudon Wainwright III explores the complexities of relationships, growth, and the passage of time. The repetition of "We've come a long way since we last shook hands" highlights the progress made in a connection, but also acknowledges that there is still much more to be experienced and understood. The mention of not being able to see the flowers due to the snow symbolizes missing out on beauty or positivity in life because of challenges or obstacles. The line about burdens and crosses being carried on one man's back can be interpreted as the idea that everyone has their own struggles to bear. The longing to travel and explore, only to realize that ultimately everything comes full circle, emphasizes the cyclical nature of life and experiences. The reference to forgetting promises to keep in touch speaks to the ephemeral nature of human connections and the inevitability of change. Overall, the lyrics capture the bittersweet essence of life's journey, the challenges faced, the growth experienced, and the fleeting nature of relationships.