Why

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
'Til we got it right

When we emerged from the YMCA
Three o'clock sun had made the grass hay
Hey, I thought
Hey, what a way to spend the day
Hey, what a way to spend the 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 Got a Rocket in Your Pocket and
The Jets Are Gonna Have Their Day Tonight
Over and over and over
'Til 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, NY

Nine A.M. I write a lyric or two
Mike sings a song now on Mad Avenue
I sing: Come to your senses
Defenses are not the way to go
Over and over and over
'Til 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