All The Way To Reno (You're Gonna Be A Star) Lyrics

Lyric discussion by turtle_s 

Cover art for All The Way To Reno (You're Gonna Be A Star) lyrics by R.E.M.

One phrase that bothers me:

"You didn't have to go so far You didn't have to go."

Does he mean, that in order to achieve something, you don't have to completely leave your home, cross 2000 miles, forget everybody and etc.? If someone could elaborate on this.

I believe this song is very positive though. - It's not only the lyrics. But also as a non-native English reader I may not get it all.