A Painter Passing Through Songtext
von Gordon Lightfoot

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 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 all right
Yesterday belongs in the 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 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 Mr. Cool
Along the walk of fame
I was in demand
Always in control
The world was in my hands
My touch could 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 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 way
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