(Ronnie Lane)

Once I was a stone many years ago

Into a pool was thrown many years ago.

Time passed by, the pool ran dry, excavated was I.

And tempered and beat in a fiery heat,

By the hand of a man, who's name was Dan

Dan the blacksmith.



Once I was a sword, many years ago.

And my blade was broad, many years ago.

Worn with pride, into battle I'd ride at a warrior's side.

And I cut and I killed and was lost in a field,

And I soon did rust, corrode to dust,

Oh my.



Once I was a daisy, many years ago.

In pastures green and lazy, many years ago.

But I was et by a goat who fell in a moat and forgetting to float

He sunk like a lead and stayed until dead,

But was relieved to find just how kind it all was.



Once I was a grub, many years ago.

I lived in muck and mud, many years ago.

But on the very first noon I became a cocoon that resembled a prune.

When the Good Lord was done in the warmth of the sun.

I shed my skins, and dried my wings, and I flew away.



Once I was a bullfrog, had to struggle for survival.

And once I was a carp and lived in waters ornamental.

And once I was a myna bird, quoting verses from the Bible,

Said "pretty boy, pretty boy, St. Luke".



Once I was a mule, a many years ago.

But my master treat me cruel, a many years ago.

By and by I was sick, couldn't move to his kick, so he took out a stick

And hit it right 'cross my back to an almighty crack,

And to his dismay, I passed away, into the blue.



I was born a human baby, many years ago.

I was born unto a lady, many years ago.

All our hopes they were piled on the back of a child that turned out to be wild.

Sent the devil a prayer and caused the parson to swear.

So I took my leave to lie and thi