(D9) Once upon a time, I was on my own
Once upon a time, like you've never known
(Em/A) Once upon a time, I would be impressed
(D9) Once upon a time, my life would be obsessed
(Em/A) Once upon a time, once upon a day when
(D9) I was in my prime, once along the way

If you (G) want to (Em/A) know my (D9) secret
Don't come (G) running (Em/A) after (D9) me
For (G) I am (Em/A) just a (D9) painter
Passing (Em/A) through in histor(D9)y (Em/A)  (D9)  (Em/A)  (D9)

Yesterday is gone, yesterday's allright
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 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