Paul Simon — How Can You Live in the Northeast

[Verse 1] We heard the fireworks, rushed out to watch the sky Happy-go-lucky, the Fourth of July [Chorus] How can you live in the Northeast? How can you live in the South? How can you build on the banks of a river When the floodwater pours from the mouth? How can you be a Christian? How can you be a Jew? How can you be a Muslim, a Buddhist, a Hindu? How can you? [Verse 2] Weak as the winter sun, we enter life on earth Names and religion come just after date of birth Everybody gets a tongue to speak, everyone hears an inner voice A day at the end of the week to wonder and rejoice If the answer is infinite light, why do we sleep in the dark? [Chorus 2] How can you live in Northeast? How can you live the South? How can you build on the banks of a river When the floodwater pours from the mouth? How can you tattoo your body? Why do you cover your head? How can you eat from a rice bowl When the holy man only breaks bread? [Verse 3] We watched the fireworks until they were fireflies Followed a path of stars over the endless skies [Chorus 3] How can you live in the Northeast? How can you live in the South? How can you build on the banks of a river When the floodwater pours from the mouth, from the mouth? [Outro] I’ve been given all I wanted Only three generations off the boat I have harvested and I have planted I am wearing my father’s old coat