I once knew a man,
Been everywhere in the world.
Gave me a tiny, ivory ball.
Said it would bring me good.
Never believed it would
Until I have been loving you.

Dear old man,
He'd seen most everything.
Gave me a piece of good advice,
Said it would do me well.
I couldn't really tell
until I have been loving you.





Now it seems things are not so strange.
I can see more clearly.
Suddenly I've found my way.
I know the old man would laugh.
He spoke of love's sweeter days.
And in his eloquent way,
I think he was speaking of you.
You are so lovely.
You didn't have to say a thing.

But I remember that old man
Telling me he'd seen the light.
Gave me a small, brown, leather book.
Insisted that he was right.
I only heard him slightly,
Till I heard you whisper.
Took you up all in my arms.

Dear old man.
Wise old man.
Fine old man, now.