lyrically, "long way to go" is about prejudices against dating someone from a different race. the line, "when snow hits the asphalt / cold looks and bad talk come" is used as a metaphor for the nasty comments people receive when dating someone of the opposite race. "long way to go" also includes a sample from martin luther king, jr.s 1963 "i have a dream" speech. "long way to go" was written by stefani and 3000 and was also produced by 3000.