[Verse 1]
Once I was a stone, many years ago
Into a pool was thrown, many years ago
Time passed by, the pool ran dry, excavated was I
And tempered and beat in a fiery heat
By the hand of a man, who's name was Dan
Dan the blacksmith

[Verse 2]
Once I was a sword, many years ago
And my blade was broad, many years ago
Worn with pride, into battle I'd ride at a warrior's side
And I cut and I killed and was lost in a field
And I soon did rust, corrode to dust
Oh my

[Verse 3]
Once I was a daisy, many years ago
In pastures green and lazy, many years ago
But I was et by a goat who fell in a moat and forgetting to float
He sunk like a lead and stayed until dead
But was relieved to find just how kind it all was

[Verse 4]
Once I was a grub, many years ago
I lived in muck and mud, many years ago
But on the very first noon, I became a cocoon that resembled a prune
When the Good Lord was done in the warmth of the sun
I shed my skins, and dried my wings, and I flew away
[Verse 5]
Once I was a bullfrog, had to struggle for survival
And once I was a carp and lived in waters ornamental
And once I was a myna bird, quoting verses from the Bible
Said, "Pretty boy, pretty boy, St. Luke"

[Verse 6]
Once I was a mule, a many years ago
But my master treat me cruel, a many years ago
By and by I was sick, couldn't move to his kick, so he took out a stick
And hit it right 'cross my back to an almighty crack
And to his dismay, I passed away, into the blue

[Verse 7]
I was born a human baby, many years ago
I was born unto a lady, many years ago
All our hopes they were piled on the back of a child that turned out to be wild
Sent the devil a prayer and caused the parson to swear
So I took my leave to lie and thieve my way to jail

[Verse 8]
I've been tinker, tailor, soldier, sailor
I've known good times and disaster
But now I've found a teacher, and the teacher has a master
The master is perfection, so he helps us get there faster
I don't need no proof, because that's the truth, and I'll drink to that