[INTRO:] C6  G7  C6  G7  C6  G7  C6  G7

[VERSE 1:]
C6
Once upon a time, I was on my own 

Once upon a time, like you've never known 
Dm/G
Once upon a time, I would be impressed 
C6
Once upon a time, my life would be obsessed 
Dm/G
Once upon a time, once upon a day when 
C6
I was in my prime, once along the way


[CHORUS:]
       F       G       C
If you want to know my secret 
           F       G     C
Don't come running after me 
    F    G      C
For I am just a painter 
        Dm              C   G7  C6  G7
Passing through in history


[VERSE 2:]
C6
Yesterday is gone, yesterday's alright 

Yesterday belongs, in my dreams at night 
Dm/G
Yesterday is swell, yesterday is great 
C6
Yesterday is strong, remembering can wait 
Dm/G
Once upon a time, once upon a day when 
C6
I was in my prime, once along the way


[CHORUS:]
       F       G       C
If you want to know an answer 
        F         G     C
I can't turn your life around 
    F    G      C
For I am just a painter
        Dm               C       G7  C6  G7
Passing through the underground


[VERSE 3:]
C6
I was in my stride, always at my game 

Here comes Mister Cool, along the walk of fame 
Dm/G
I was in demand, always in control 
C6
The world was in my hands, my touch had turned to gold 
Dm/G
Once upon a time, I was in a daze, when 
C6
Everyday I turned, hearts along the way


[CHORUS:]
       F       G       C
If you want to know my secret 
           F       G     C
Don't come running after me 
    F    G      C
For I am just a painter 
        Dm              C   G7  C6  G7
Passing through in history


[VERSE 4:]
C6
Now that I am old, let me rest a spell

All that I am told, I can never tell
Dm/G
Never in my life, never will it pass
C6
I am still alone, remembering at last
Dm/G
Once upon a time, once upon a day, when
C6
I was in my prime, once along the way


[CHORUS:]
       F       G       C
If you want to know an answer 
        F         G     C
I can't turn your life around 
    F    G      C
For I am just a painter
        Dm               C 
Passing through the underground


[CHORUS:]
       F       G       C
If you want to know my secret 
           F       G     C
Don't come running after me 
    F    G      C
For I am just a painter 
        Dm              C   G7  C6  G7
Passing through in history