Gordon Lightfoot - A painter passing through

Once upon a time I was on my own Once upon a time like youve 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 dont come runnin after me For I am just a painter passing through in history Yesterday is gone, yesterdays 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 cant 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 dont 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 cant turn your life around For I am just a painter passing through the underground If you want to know my secret dont come runnin after me For I am just a painter passing through in history