Songwriter: Ronnie Lane

[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

Faces

An English rock band formed in 1969 by the remaining members of Small Ian McLagan (keyboards), Ronnie Lane (bass guitar), and Kenney Jones (drums and percussion). Ronnie Wood (guitar) and Rod Stewart (lead vocals) left the Jeff Beck Group to form the band’s lineup up until the band disbanded in 1974.