Catcher in the Rye

[Verse 1]
I'm gonna catch me a ride on a subway car
That's headed for the old North Star
And leave my troubles stranded on the mainland
I'm gonna crown the god of night with light
And pull myself clean outta sight
And turn the phony world I left to sand

I would gladly sail away
And never mind the words you say
They're just the figments of your imagination
Cast your riddles at my head
About the way I must be fed
Upon your rules and schools of institution

[Chorus]
Why, Lord, why, were the mountains built so high
And the shoals of the sea sometimes get lonely?
Why, Lord, why, must I learn to testify
When all I wanna be is just a catcher in the rye?

[Verse 2]
It's hard to dream within a scheme
That says your soul can't be redeemed
And 'Silent Night' is heard outside my window
Days are long and ways are short
And nights are left with no resort
Except to listen to the lonesome wind blow

[Chorus]
Why, Lord, why, were the mountains built so high
And the shoals of the sea sometimes get lonely?
Why, Lord, why, must I learn to testify
When all I wanna be is just a catcher in the rye?

[Verse 3]
If you can't seem to find the aim
Of the rules set for the game
They'll throw you in a school of restitution
They'll look you in the eye and grin
And say, "I'd like to be your friend,"
And wear a sign writ, 'Long live execution'

[Chorus]
Why, Lord, why, were the mountains built so high
And the shoals of the sea sometimes get lonely?
Why, Lord, why, must I learn to testify
When all I wanna be is just a catcher in the rye?