Why do I lie awake at night

Think back just as far as I can

To the sound of my father's laugh outdoors

The thought of Sputnik in free-flight

Before I could fashion my poverty

Before I mistrusted the night

I must've known something

I must've known something

Those were the times I live for tonight

Why Why Why

I say Why Mama why

Why can't I sleep in peace tonight

Underneath the satellite sky

Why Why Why

I say Why Mama why

Why can't I sleep in peace tonight

Underneath the satellite sky

It can't be easy for my children:

I'm hollow before my time

It looks like the desert here to me

Where is the promise of youth for my child

Where are the faraway kingdoms of dreams

Been to the moon when there's trouble at home

They vanished in the mist with Saint Nicholas

And lie scattered in the ghettos

And the war zones

And why Why Why

I say Why Mama why

Why can't I sleep in peace tonight

Underneath the satellite sky

Why Why Why

I say Why Mama why

Why can't I sleep in peace tonight

Underneath the satellite sky

I want to stand out in the middle of the street

Listen to the stars

I want to hear their sweet voices

And I want to feel the big bang rattle my bones

I want to laugh for my children

Want the spark to ignite

Before they find out

What it's like to be born into these times

Why Why Why

I say Why Mama why

Why can't I sleep in peace tonight

Underneath the satellite sky

Why Why Why

I say Why Mama why

Why can't I sleep in peace tonight

Underneath the satellite sky