One of These Things First

Could have been a sailor

Could have been a cook

A real live lover

Could have been a book

Could have been a signpost

Could have been a clock

As simple as a kettle

And steady as a rock

I could be here and now

I would be, I should be, but how?

I could have been

One of these things first

I could have been your pillar

Could have been your door

I could have stayed beside you

Could have stayed for more

Could have been your statue

Could have been your friend

A whole long lifetime

Could have been the end

I could be yours so true

I would be, I should be, through and through

I could have been

One of these things first

I could have been a whistle

I could have been a flute

A real live giver

Could have been a boot

Could have been a signpost

Could have been a clock

As simple as a kettle

And steady as a rock

I could be even here

I would be, I should be, so near

I could have been

One of these things first

I could have been

One of these things first