I stood and looked across the water
I had to get to the other side
Because I knew that you'd be waiting
I didn't want to take the long way round

The captain said the ship was leaving
And that we'd better get onboard
I settled down to watch the sun rise
And wondered if I'd see the sun go down

The sea was rough and the wind was howling
But I was laughing all the way
I didn't care about the weather
Because I knew that you'd be waiting
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 going
He asked me why I took the long way round

The sea was rough and the wind was howling
But I was laughing all the way
I didn't listen to the stranger
Because I knew that you'd be waiting
I didn't want to take the long way round

At last I get to my destination
The stranger turned and walked away
He didn't know where he was going
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 waiting
I didn't want to take the long way round