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
Joyfully, playfully watching me
And then they sent me away to teach me how to be sensible
Logical, responsible, practical
And then they showed me a world
Where I could be so dependable
Clinical, intellectual, cynical

There are times when all the world's asleep
And 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, fanatical, criminal
And won't you sign up your name
We'd like to feel you're acceptable
Respectable, presentable, a vegetable

There are times when all the world's asleep
And the questions run too deep
For such a simple child
Won't you please
Please tell me what we've learned?
I know it sounds absurd
Please, tell me who I am
[Instrumental]

There are times when all the world's asleep
And the questions run too deep
For such a simple child
Won't you please
Please tell me what we've learned?
I know it sounds absurd
Please, tell me who I am