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 runnin' 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 turn to gold

Once upon a time, I was in a daze when

I was in my prime, once along the way



If you want to know my secret don't come runnin' 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't turn your life around

For I am just a painter passing through the underground



If you want to know my secret don't come runnin' after me

For I am just a painter passing through in history