©1998 by Gordon Lightfoot

Once upon a time, I was on my own
Once upon a time, like you've never known.
Once upon a time, I would be impressed
Once upon a time, my life would be obsessed.
Once upon a time, once upon a day when
I was in my prime, once along the way.

If you want to know my secret
Don't come running after me
For I am just a painter
Passing through in history

Yesterday is gone, yesterday's alright
Yesterday belongs in my dreams at night.
Yesterday is swell, yesterday is great
Yesterday is strong, remembering can wait.
Once upon a time, once upon a day when
I was in my prime, once along the way.

If you want to know an answer I can't turn your life around
For I am just a painter passing through the underground.

I was in my stride, always at my game
Here comes Mister Cool, along the Walk of Fame.
I was in demand, always in control
The world was in my hands, my touch had turned to gold.
Once upon a time, I was in a daze when
I was in my prime, once along the ways.

If you want to know my secret don't come running after me
For I am just a painter passing through in history.

Now that I am old, let me rest a spell
All that I am told, I can never tell.
Never in my life, never will it pass
I am still alone, remembering at last.
Once upon a time, once upon a day
When I was in my prime, once along the way.

If you want to know an answer
I can turn your life around.
For I am just a painter
Passing through the underground.
If you want to know my secret
Don't come running after me.
For I am just a painter
Passing through in history.

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