Why Lyrics

Jonathan Larson Why

JONATHAN
When I was nine,
Michael and I
Entered a talent show down at the Y

Nine A.M. went to rehearse by some stairs
Mike couldn't sing
But I said, "No one cares"

We sang "Yellow Bird" and "Let's Go Fly A Kite"
Over and over and over
Till we got it right

When we emerged from the YMCA
Three o'clock sun had made the grass hay

I thought,
Hey, what a way to spend a day
Hey, what a way to spend a day
I make a vow, right here and now
I'm gonna spend my time this way

When I was sixteen,
Michael and I
Got parts in "West Side"
At White Plains High

Three o'clock went to rehearse in the gym
Mike played "Doc", who didn't sing
Fine with him

We sang, "gotta rocket in your pocket"
and "the Jets are gonna have their day - tonight"
Over and over and over
Till we got it right

When we emerged,
Wiped out by that play
Nine o'clock, stars and moon lit the way

I thought,
Hey, what a way to spend a day
Hey, what a way to spend a day
I made a vow
I wonder now
Am I cut out to spend my time this way?

With only so much time to spend
Don't wanna waste the time I'm given
"Have it all, play the game" - some recommend
I'm afraid, it just may be time to give in

I'm twenty-nine,
Michael and I
Live on the west side of SoHo, N.Y.

Nine A.M.
I write a lyric or two
Mike sings his song now on Mad Avenue

I sing, "Come to your senses
Defenses are not the way to go"
Over and over and over
Till I got it right

When I emerge from B Minor or A
Five o'clock, diner calls, "I'm on my way"

I think,
Hey, what a way to spend a day
Hey, what a way to spend a day
I make a vow - right here and now
I'm gonna spend my time this way
I'm gonna spend my time this way