a painter passing through

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