How Many Years

remember the time when you were such a pretty little girl
now you and all your friends, you wanna rule the whole world
well let me tell you baby, I liked you just the way you were
without all your power and your diamonds and your pearls

how many years will it take you to see
that all of your dreams have been washed down the sea
alone and confused and a long way from home
chasing rainbows that are already gone

you were only sixteen when you left home
with a suitcase full of dreams
now what have we got, a bitter old lady
with a briefcase full of schemes
you party in Spain, you're dancin' in China
you're all over the Middle East
but back home lady, your sons are dyin' in the streets

push your luck, use your charms
spend a little money, do a little harm
there are tears in your eyes baby, at the right time