(Intro) (0:00 - 0:15) (Drum fill: Brrrup-Bap!) (The Harmonica explodes immediately—extremely fast, high-pitched, bluesy runs. Notes are flying everywhere.) (Band kicks in with a driving, groovy rhythm.) (Verse 1) (Vocals - Fast, John Popper-style delivery) Well, I woke up this morning with the sun in my eyes And a million different reasons why I shouldn't rise! But the wheels keep turning and the world keeps spinning And if you ain't moving forward, then you surely ain't winning! I got a map in my pocket but the edges are torn I’ve been rewriting the book since the day I was born. The road is full of gravel and the mountain is steep But I got promises to keep and a soul that won’t sleep! It’s a complicated hustle, it’s a difficult day But I wouldn't ever have it any other way! (No, I wouldn't have it any other way!) (Chorus) (Melodic, catchy, sing-along hook) ‘Cause I’m taking the Scenic Route! Yeah, I’m taking the long way ‘round! I got my feet off the floor and I’m covering ground! It ain't about the finish line, it’s all about the ride And keeping a little bit of blue sky inside! So let the highway wind and let the engine shout Yeah, I’m taking the Scenic Route! (Harmonica Interlude) (Short, punchy solo—lots of bending notes) (Verse 2) (Fast flow) Now, some folks panic when the plans go wrong But I just turn the panic into another song! I got a hitch in the giddy-up, a glitch in the frame But I’m still the MVP of the whole entire game. You can stare at the obstacle, stare at the wall Or you can figure out a way to get around it all! I got a harmonica handy and a melody loose I got no time for the sorrow or the blues or excuse! I’m a rolling stone gathering no moss on the hill If the crash didn't kill me then the boredom will! (Yeah, the boredom will!) (Chorus) ‘Cause I’m taking the Scenic Route! Yeah, I’m taking the long way ‘round! I got my feet off the floor and I’m covering ground! It ain't about the finish line, it’s all about the ride And keeping a little bit of blue sky inside! So let the highway wind and let the engine shout Yeah, I’m taking the Scenic Route! (Bridge) (Music slows down just a little. Bass line walks heavily) They say the straightest line is the fastest way to go. But I’ve seen a lot more living on the winding road. Yeah, the view is better when you’re climbing up the side. So throw the manual out... AND LET’S RIDE! (Harmonica Solo) (This is the main event. 30 seconds of absolute virtuosity. Fast triplets, high notes, low growls. Think the solo in "Run-Around." It builds and builds in intensity.) (Verse 3) (Bass and Drums only for the first two lines) So if you see me rolling by, give a wave and a smile I’ve been running on this energy for quite a long while. (Full band kicks back in) I’m the captain of the journey, I’m the king of the street I’m finding the salvation in the back of the beat! So pack up your worries and leave ‘em behind We got a whole new horizon that we gotta go find! (Chorus) ‘Cause I’m taking the Scenic Route! Yeah, I’m taking the long way ‘round! I got my feet off the floor and I’m covering ground! It ain't about the finish line, it’s all about the ride And keeping a little bit of blue sky inside! So let the highway wind and let the engine shout Yeah, I’m taking the Scenic Route! (Outro) (Harmonica goes wild again) Taking the long way! (Harmonica run) Taking the right way! (Harmonica run) Yeah, we rolling on! (Singer holds a long note while the harmonica plays a final rapid-fire riff) (Band hits one final sharp chord) (End)
