Leonard Bernstein
Why
[JON]
When I was nine
Michael and I
Entered a talent show down at the Y

9 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 Y.M.C.A.
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 Wеst Side at White Plains High
Three o'clock, went to rеhearse in the gym
Mike played "Doc", who did not 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?

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

9 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
And over, and over, and over, and over
'Til I get 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