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Why Lyrics by Jonathan Larson

tick, tick...BOOM! (Original Cast Recording)

2001

[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 '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 might be time to give in...

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 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
Credits
Jonathan Larson

Jonathan Larson

About “Why” by Jonathan Larson

Read the complete lyrics to "Why" by Jonathan Larson from the album "tick, tick...BOOM! (Original Cast Recording)" in 2001. On Lyrks you can follow along with the full text, explore the artist's discography, and discover related songs. The track is often categorized under Musicals, Rock.

"Why" is performed by Jonathan Larson. from the album "tick, tick...BOOM! (Original Cast Recording)" in 2001 This page provides the full lyric text for fans who want to sing along, study the songwriting, or compare versions across releases. Lyrks organizes lyrics by artist and song slug so you can bookmark and share a stable URL. Music lyrics help listeners connect with emotion, narrative, and rhythm in a track. Whether you are learning English, researching a favorite chorus, or preparing for karaoke, having accurate line breaks and section labels (verse, chorus, bridge) makes the experience easier. We link to the official artist profile on Lyrks where available, including biography snippets, top songs, and chart placements when we have that data. If you enjoy "Why", explore more songs by Jonathan Larson using the links below. Chart and trending pages on Lyrks highlight what listeners are searching for this week. For copyright or correction requests, see our DMCA and contact pages.

View all songs and biography for Jonathan Larson · Trending lyrics · Billboard Hot 100

Frequently asked questions

"Why" is credited to Jonathan Larson. Songwriting credits may include additional writers listed on the release; check the credits section on this page for linked collaborators.

"Why" appears on "tick, tick...BOOM! (Original Cast Recording)" in 2001.

Visit the Jonathan Larson artist page at /artist/jonathan-larson for biography, popular tracks, and links to more lyric pages.

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