When I was young
It seemed that life was so wonderful
A miracle, oh, it was beautiful, magical
And all the birds in the trees
Well they'd be singing so happily
Oh, joyfully, oh, playfully watching me
But then they sent me away
To teach me how to be sensible
Logical, oh, responsible, practical
And they showed me a world
Where I could be so dependable
Oh, clinical, oh, intellectual, cynical
There are times when all the world's a sleep
The questions run too deep
For such a simple man
Won't you please, please, tell me what we've learned
I know it sounds absurd
Please, tell me who I am
Now watch what you say
Or they'll be calling you a radical
A liberal, oh, fanatical, criminal
Oh, won't you sign up your name
We'd like to feel you're acceptable,
Respectable, oh, presentable, a vegetable