Verse 1:

I once knew a man

Been everywhere in the world

Gave me a tiny ivory ball

Said it would bring me good

Never believed it would until

I have been loving you



Verse 2:

Dear old man

He'd seen most everything

Gave me a piece of good advice

Said it would do me well

I couldn't really tell until

I have been loving you



Bridge:

Now it seems

Things are not so strange

I can see more clearly

Suddenly I've found my way

I know the old man would laugh

He spoke of love's sweeter days

And in his eloquent way

I think he was speaking of you

You are so lovely

You didn't have to say a thing



Verse 3:

But I remember that old man

Telling me he'd seen the light

Gave me a small brown leather book

Insisted that he was right

I only heard him slightly

'Til I heard you whisper

Took you up all in my arms



Coda:

Dear old man

Wise old man

Fine old man, now