Gordon Lightfoot - A Painter Passing Through lyrics

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 ways

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