The Country Mile

country mile:
n. Informal
A very great distance.

as the crow flies:
in a straight line. Generally used when discussing distances. Any distance "as the crow flies" neglects barriers (man-made or natural, such as traffic, mountains, waterways, etc.) that might hinder one's travel.


(...)
They say that it's never too late
but we don't we don't get any younger
well I'd better learn how to starve this emptiness
and feed my hunger

Up on the watershed, standing at the fork in the road
you can stand there and agonize
till your agony is your heaviest load
You'll never fly as the crow flies
get used to the country mile
when you're learning to face
the path at your pace
every choice is worth your while

Indigo Girls
Watershed