When we were little girls together in Mrs. Porter's class
You were a champion at spelling, I was pretty good at math
And we'd do our homework side by side, and pull each other through
And we were never jealous of the things the other one could do.

But then came adolescence. You got tall and I got stout
And when we both liked Michael Farraday we had a falling out
You were jealous of my lashes, I was jealous of your curves
And when he went with Mary Davidson, I guess we got what we deserved.

All of that time, all of that time, running silly races
All of that time, all of that time, wanting to trade places.

When we finished college you went out and got a job
And I went off to grad school, that's when you married Bob
And your letters told me all about the furniture you bought
And as I read it seemed by thrift store bargains didn't look so hot.

And when I'd come to see you when I had a break
You'd complain about the job you had, you said the money wasn't great
And you wished that you were back in school and free to roam around
And all I wanted was someone with whom to stop and settle down.

All of that time, all of that time, running silly races
All of that time, all of that time, wanting to trade places.

And now I'm working downtown. I eat lunch in restaurants
I've got all the time and money anyone could want
And you've got three small children, the baby keeps you home
And when I told you 'bout my trip to Spain you cried there on the phone.

Now while the grass sometimes seems greener, I know you wouldn't trade
Because the blessings that were given are worth all the price we paid
But if you get the blues sometimes just call me on the phone
and when you're done I'll cry and tell you how I'm sad and all alone.

All of that time, all of that time, running silly races
All of that time, all of that time, wanting to trade places.

So if you've got some time I'll come over Saturday
I'll help you with your taxes, you can proof my resume
I'd like to see your children, their laughter pulls me through
And I delight to find you live through me, the way I live through you.