Jane

Last time I saw her was 1969
A sophomore in high school
The oldest childhood friend of mine
We grew up together
On the grounds of a private school
Both our dads were teachers
But we pretended that we were cool

When she was four years old
She wore lipstick and plastic high heels
Strutted around the campus
I thought she was a very, very big deal
Though I was one year older
She was so much bolder
When the school went bankrupt
We parted but I told her
We'd be friends for all time
That was 1969

What are we doing with our lives?
I can see the disappointment in your eyes
You look like one of those society wives
Jane

I was at the Indianapolis airport
Checking my machine
When I heard your message
"Guess who this is, Christine?
A voice from your past
Getting back in touch
I'm coming to New York next week
I want to see you so much"

I was stunned, I called her
We laughed just like old times
Picked up where we both left off
In 1969
Talked about the passing years
Made plans to rendezvous
Aw, Jane, it was so good
To hear from you

What are we doing with our lives?
I can see the disappointment in your eyes
You look like one of those society wives
Jane

You arrive at my apartment
We laugh and hug and squeal
Say that we both look the same
When we both know that's not for real
We bring each other up to date
Both our dads are gone
Marvel at how well
Our moms have carried on

You're not surprised at how I live
You say you always knew
I would not take the beaten path
I had thought the same for you
What happened to that little girl
Who bent all the rules
The four year old in lipstick
Raising hell at that private school

What are we doing with our lives
I can see the disappointment in your eyes
You look like one of those society wives
Jane

You show me pictures of your second husband
Your horses and your kids
Though outwardly you're happy
I suspect you're keeping a tight lid
I take you to a restaurant
Recommended by the Times
We order a la carte
Wash it down with wine
We drink a toast to 1969

Your words are tumbling
Too fast for me to hear
The past and present are colliding
You look close to tears
But you do not break
You laugh and joke
Then take another sip
I pretend not to see
That tremble in your lip

What are we doing with our lives?
I can see the disappointment in your eyes
You look like one of those society wives
Jane

I put you in a taxi
As it begins to rain
I hug you it was so good
To finally see you Jane
You drive off I feel guilty
Because I know
I could have probed much deeper
But you said you had to go

What made you place that phone call
Are you longing for the past
Are you grasping for the friendship
Teenagers think will last
Are you the girl that I remember
Are you the woman that I see
Are you as confused
When you look at me

What are we doing with our lives
I can see the disappointment in your eyes
You look like one of those society wives
Jane