At the Pearl Jam concert on July 7th, 2006 at the Cox Arena in San Diego, California, lead singer Eddie Vedder had the following to say about this song:
“I want to tell you a little story if I can. It might go on for a couple of minutes…
It has to do with education, and in particular, an educator...
[Verse 1]
And I wished for so long, cannot stay
All the precious moments, cannot stay
It's not like wings have fallen, cannot stay
Still something's missing, cannot say
[Chorus]
Holding hands are daughters and sons
And their faiths are falling down, down, down, down
I have wished for so long
How I wish for you today
Will I walk the long road? (the long road)
Cannot stay (the long road)
There's no need to say goodbye (to say goodbye)
[Verse 2]
All the friends and family
All the memories going 'round, 'round, 'round, 'round
I have wished for so long
How I wish for you today
[Bridge]
And the wind keeps roaring
And the sky keeps turning grey
And the sun is set
The sun will rise another day
[Chorus]
I have wished for so long
How I wish for you today
I have wished for so long
How I wish for you today
Will I walk the long road? We all walk the long road
Will I walk the long road? We all walk the long road
Will I walk the long road?
Will I walk the long road? We all walk the long road
Will I walk the long road? We all walk the long road
Will I walk the long road?
Long Road was written by Eddie Vedder.
Long Road was produced by Brett Eliason.