Lyrics
[Verse 1] A paper kite caught on the museum gate You laughed and climbed the iron rail The guard pretended not to see While June unfolded down the street [Pre-Chorus] You drew a map across my hand Three crooked roads, a promised land [Chorus] Take the long way home with me Past the river's quiet bend Where the red boats lean and turn And the painted walls begin No need to know where we will be Let the open afternoon decide I'll keep your little map with me You keep walking by my side [Verse 2] A violin came through the window glass From someone practicing the same refrain A child released a yellow balloon It found the roof and stayed there all day [Pre-Chorus] You pointed north, then changed your mind Some better places can't be signed [Chorus] Take the long way home with me Past the river's quiet bend Where the red boats lean and turn And the painted walls begin No need to know where we will be Let the open afternoon decide I'll keep your little map with me You keep walking by my side [Bridge] If every road should disappear We'll make a bridge from souvenirs A ticket stub, a thread of blue And one brave step from me to you [Final Chorus] Take the long way home with me Past the river's quiet bend Where the red boats lean and turn And the painted walls begin No need to know where we will be Let the open afternoon decide I'll keep your little map with me You keep walking by my side [Outro] The kite comes loose, the gate swings wide Your little map, my open stride
