I've seen them kneel
With baited breath for the ritual
I've watched this experience raise
Them to pseudo higher levels
I've watched them leave their families
In pursuit of your nirvana
I've seen them coming to line up from Switzerland and America

How long will this take, baba?
How long have we been sleeping?
Do you see me hanging on to every word you say?
How soon will I be holy?
How much will this cost, guru?
How much longer 'til you completely absolve me?

I've seen them give their drugs up
In place of makeshift altars
I've heard them chanting
Kali kali frantically
I've heard them rotely repeat your
Teaching with elitism
I've seen them boasting robes and
Foreign sandalwood beads

How long will this take, baba?
How long have we been sleeping?
Do you see me hanging on to every word you say?
How soon will I be holy?
How much will this cost, guru?
How much longer 'til you completely absolve me?

I've seen them overlooking God in
Their own essence
I've seen their upward glances
In hopes of instant salvation
I've seen their righteousness
Mixed without loving compassion
I've watched you smile as
The students bow to kiss your feet

How long will this take, baba?
How long have we been sleeping?
Do you see me hanging on to every word you say?
How soon will I be holy?
How much will this cost, guru?
How much longer 'til you completely absolve me?

Give me strength all knowing one
How long 'til enlightenment
How much longer 'til you
Completely absolve me?

Ave Maria
Ave Maria
Ave Maria
Ave Maria
Ave Maria
Ave Maria

Copyright: CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Universal Music Publishing Group
Writer(s): Alanis Nadine Morissette, Glen Ballard