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

'Til I heard you whisper
Took you up all in my arms


Dear old man
Wise old man
Fine old man, now