I'm gonna to catch me a ride On the subway car, That's heading 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 live to sand. I would gladly sail away and Never mind a word 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 institutions. Why Lord why Were the mountains built so high? And the shores of the Sea Sometimes get lonely? Why Lord why Must I learn to testify? When all I want to be Is just a catcher in the rye? 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 night to left With no resort except to Listen to the lonesome wind blow. Why Lord why Were the mountains built so high? And the shores of the Sea Sometimes get lonely? Why Lord why Must I learn to testify When all I want to be Is just a catcher in the rye? If you can't sing the fine ink 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 a friend And wear a sign that Long live execution. Why Lord why Were the mountains built so high? And the shores of the Sea Sometimes get lonely? Why Lord why Must I learn to testify When all I want to be Is just a catcher in the rye?