James, we were always friends
From our childhood days
And we made our plans
And we had to go our separate ways
I went on the road
You pursued an education

James, do you like your life?
Can you find release?
And will you ever change?
Will you ever write your masterpiece?
Are you still in school
Living up to expectations, James?

You were so relied upon
Everybody knows how hard you tried
Hey, just look at what a job you've done
Carrying the weight of family pride
James, you've been well behaved
You've been working hard
But will you always stay
Someone else's dream of who you are?
Do what's good for you
Or you're not good for anybody, James

I went on the road
You pursued an education, James
How you gonna know for sure?
Everything was so well organized
Hey, now everything is so secure
And everybody else is satisfied

James, do you like your life?
Can you find release?
Will you ever change?
When will you write your masterpiece?
Do what's good for you
Or you're not good for anybody, James

Copyright: BMG Rights Management
Writer(s): Billy Joel