A Painter Passing Through — текст песни (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 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