you were young, it was a long way to go
that's what you thought but it was shorter you know
you had it made when you were 21
and all at once all your sorrows were gone
so you thought who cares about rules
you little smart ass said: rules are for fools!

(Chorus):
boogie nights in spring
and a slow blues in winter 2x

now you're as old as your parents when they told you what to do
and you realize most of it is true
you must have been someone special indeed
with all the parties, cars, girls and weed
big tips for every little waitress in town
the sound of cash was a wonderful sound

(Chorus)

most of your friends are dead or broke or in jail
no more "new york, new york" you sit around and wait
in a flat in a town where no one knows your name
knowing that you're just living too long for this game

(Chorus) 2x

too many girls can you remember their names
or do you think they still remember your fame
with 35 they look twice as old
and your hot volcano has become cold