Lyrics:

I stood and looked across the water

I had to get to the other side

Because I knew that you'd be waitin'

I didn't want to take the long way ‘round.



The captain said the ship was leavin'

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 howlin'

But I was laughing all the way

I didn't care about the weather

Because I knew that you'd be waitin'

I didn't want to take the long way ‘round



Then a stranger sat beside me

It was my brother in disguise

He said he knew where I was goin'

He asked me why I took the long way ‘round.



The sea was rough and the wind was howlin'

But I was laughing all the way

I didn't listen to the stranger

Because I knew that you'd be waitin'

I didn't want to take the long way ‘round



At last, I came to my destination

The stranger turned and walked away

He didn't know where he was goin'

He said he had to take the long way ‘round.



I stood and looked across the water

I thought of what I'd left behind

Because I knew that you'd be waitin'

I didn't want to take the long way ‘round.



Because I knew that you'd be waitin'

I didn't want to take the long way ‘round.







Organ/Piano: Tom Parker

Lead Vocals: Gerry Rafferty

Backing Vocals: Gerry Rafferty / Joe Egan