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?