I knew that I first loved her with a meeting of the eyes
I did send my mental message under California skies
And I know that she received it before she turned to go
Down that long, wide open road

It was only two weeks later in a San Bernardino bar
She was sitting by her lonesome shining like a northern star
And I asked her for direction, she paused before she spoke
Why down that long, wide open road

We married in the springtime in a grove of tangerines
Said goodbye to friends and family, hello to all our dreams
Traded warm Mojave sunshine for Rocky Mountain snow
And that long, wide open road

November nights were cold in our cabin on the hill
We'd gather oak and mesquite to chase away the chill
But a colder wind was blowing from deep down in her soul
That kept her on that wide open road

I gave all I could give her and I looked around for more
While I was looking for forever, she was looking for the door
But her sad eyes were determined on the day she let me go
Down that long, wide open road

That was oh, so many years now, I have other tales to tell
But if you see my Southern gypsy
Tell her Shakespeare bids her well
Maybe take this song to give her to lighten up her load
Down that long, wide open road
Down that long, wide open road