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. 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. 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. 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. 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". 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. 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. 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'll help us get there faster. I don't need no proof, because that's the truth, and I'll drink to that.