[Verse 1]
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

[Chorus]
If you want to know my secret, don't come runnin' after me
For I am just a painter passing through in history

[Verse 2]
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

[Chorus]
If you want to know an answer, I can't turn your life around
For I am just a painter passing through the underground

[Verse 3]
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 ways
[Chorus]
If you want to know my secret, don't come runnin' after me
For I am just a painter passing through in history

[Verse 4]
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

[Chorus]
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