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
Everyday I turned, hearts 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'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 running after me
For I am just a painter
Passing through in history