Alanis Morissette

Songwriter: Alanis Morissette Glen Ballard

Producer: Glen Ballard Alanis Morissette

[Verse 1]
I've seen them kneel with bated breath for their 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

[Chorus]
How long will this take, baba?
And 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 till you completely absolve me?

[Verse 2]
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 teachings with elitism
I've seen them boasting robes and foreign sandalwood beads

[Chorus]
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 till you completely absolve me?

[Bridge]
Ave Maria
Ave Maria
Ave Maria
Ave Maria

[Verse 3]
I've seen men 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

[Chorus]
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 till you completely absolve me?
Give me strength, all-knowing one
How long 'til enlightenment?
How much longer until you completely absolve me?

[Outro]
Ave Maria
Ave Maria
Ave Maria
Ave Maria

Alanis Nadine Morissette was born on June 1, 1974, in Ottawa, Canada. At age 6, she began taking piano lessons, and by the time she was 9, she was writing her own songs.

When she was 11, Morissette joined the cast of a Nickelodeon children’s show called You Can’t Do That on Television, and saved up her earnings. In 1987, she used them to self-release her first track, “Fate Stay With Me.” The song caught the attention of record label MCA Canada; at age 14, Morissette signed a contract with the company. She released a self-titled album, Alanis, in 1991, which went platinum. Quickly following up the success of her first album, Morissette released Now Is The Time a year later, though it did not reach the same level of popularity.

In 1994 Morissette moved to Los Angeles teamed up with industry veteran Glen Ballard, and she began to approach songwriting more organically.

more tracks from the album

Supposed Former Infatuation Junkie

From the album

Supposed Former Infatuation Junkie (1998)

Alanis Morissette popular songs

BabaAlanis Morissette

Alanis Morissette

Supposed Former Infatuation Junkie