Take The Long Way
Summary
Take The Long Way is Matt Cameron’s sole complete writing credit on Gigaton—a garage-rock burner where the drummer wrote both words and music, plus plays guitar alongside his drum duties. The track features backing vocals from Megan Grandall of Seattle indie band Lemolo.
Part of the track was recorded at The Ballard Baitshop—local producer Nathan Yaccino’s studio that was once a sailmaking loft Variety .
Key Details
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Album | Gigaton (2020) |
| Track Number | 8 |
| Duration | 3:42 |
| Writer | Matt Cameron (music and lyrics) |
| Producers | Pearl Jam, Josh Evans |
| Guest Vocals | Megan Grandall (Lemolo) |
| Live Debut | September 10, 2022, Apollo Theater, NYC |
| Live Performances | 8 (per setlist.fm) |
Background & Inspiration
Cameron’s Complete Vision
Cameron wrote both words and music—one of the rare Pearl Jam songs where Eddie Vedder didn’t contribute lyrics. As producer Josh Evans noted: “Vedder wrote the lyrics to nine of the album’s 12 songs, but Jeff Ament contributed lyrics for ‘Alright,’ Cameron pitched in with ‘Take The Long Way,’ and Stone Gossard wrote the lyrics for ‘Buckle Up’” Variety .
Cameron also plays guitar on the track, stepping outside his role behind the drums—part of Gigaton’s experimental spirit where members explored beyond their traditional positions.
The Lemolo Connection
Megan Grandall’s backing vocals connect the song to Seattle’s broader indie scene. Lemolo has been a fixture in Pacific Northwest music since the early 2010s.
Lyrics & Meaning
The title and central lyric—“I always take the long way / Leads me back to you”—celebrates the scenic route over efficiency. Following immediately after “Never Destination,” the sequencing makes the philosophical point doubly clear: if arrival matters, it’s the journey that gives it meaning.
Critics described the lyrics’ directness. Riff Magazine called the song “aggressive” with lines “pushed up against frenetic licks” Riff Magazine .
Composition & Production
As you’d expect from a drummer-songwriter, the arrangement has particular attention to pulse and groove.
Musical specifications:
- Key: E major
- Tempo: ~140 BPM
- Duration: 3:42
- Style: Garage rock
The song was grouped with Gigaton’s “rapidly-paced rock bangers” alongside “Who Ever Said,” “Superblood Wolfmoon,” “Quick Escape,” and “Never Destination” Riff Magazine .
Studios: The Ballard Baitshop (Seattle), various others Recording Period: 2017-2019
Live Performances
| Metric | Data |
|---|---|
| Live Debut | September 10, 2022, Apollo Theater, NYC |
| Total Performances | 8 |
| Most Recent | September 2, 2023, St. Paul, MN |
With only 8 documented performances, it remains one of Gigaton’s rarer live tracks. The song hasn’t been performed since September 2023.
Personnel
| Member | Role |
|---|---|
| Eddie Vedder | Vocals |
| Stone Gossard | Guitar |
| Mike McCready | Guitar, solo |
| Matt Cameron | Drums, guitar (songwriter) |
| Jeff Ament | Bass |
| Megan Grandall | Backing vocals |
Production: Pearl Jam, Josh Evans
Context
At track 8, “Take The Long Way” continues the philosophical thread from “Never Destination.” The two tracks work as a pair: don’t fixate on arrival, and don’t rush to get there.
Related Songs
- “The Fixer” (Backspacer): Cameron co-write, similar energy
- “Got Some” (Backspacer): Driving rock with Cameron’s rhythmic stamp
- “Never Destination” (same album): Philosophical companion track