Tony Bennett – Once Upon A Time lyrics

Tony Bennett – Once Upon A Time lyrics

Once Upon A Time
Tony Bennett
Words by Lee Adams and Music by Charles Strouse

Did not chart, although it was recorded by such artists as Frank Sinatra, Robert
Goulet, Al Martino, Jim Reeves, Diahann Carroll, Vic Damone, and Bobby Darin
Sung in the Broadway musical "All American" by Ray Bolger and Eileen Herlie

Once upon a time a girl with moonlight in her eyes
Put her hand in mine and said she loved me so
But that was once upon a time, very long ago

Once upon a time we sat beneath a willow tree
Counting all the stars and waiting for the dawn
But that was once upon a time, now the tree is gone

How the breeze ruffled up her hair
How we always laughed as though tomorrow wasn't there
We were young and didn't have a care
Where did it go?

Once upon a time the world was sweeter than we knew
Everything was ours, how happy we were then
But somehow once upon a time never comes again

Lyrics taken from /lyrics/t/tony_bennett/once_upon_a_time.html

Songwriters: Charles Strouse, Lee Adams

Once Upon A Time lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.

hot lyrics

Once Upon A Time meanings

Best
Recent
2 meanings

g

+ 12
Gerald Fagan 2013-02-10 18:16:02

My lovely wife and I heard Mr. Bennett In Windsor, Ontario Canada. We watched with awe as the gentleman worked the audience for over an hour fronting four fabulous players in a clever, fully rehearsed performance. What was most impressive was his marvellous phrasing of the language, avoiding the pitfalls of a changing voice. And of course his consummate musical taste. We wish him only the best as he continues to do what he loves to do. And that is to communicate his music to those who appreciate great talent. Once Upon a Time took on a special meaning. Now that I heard it again after so many years. This is not a maudiling comment. But his understanding of the musical language is even better than when he could hold all of the pitches for full value, or when he just sang the song. So much better now. And for that we thank him.

Add your reply
s

+ 3
Stephen Clark Harvey 2015-04-01 15:50:57

Tony Bennett's rendition is the best of all the covers I've heard. Got a chance to ask him once where the song came from and he mentioned "The All American". The version by Ray Bolger (the Scarecrow in Oz) is great too. Anyway, the song is sung from an older man's perspective, somewhat filled with regret at what might have been when love was young. Thinking back he realizes you get only so many chances to ride the merrygoround and then it's over. Appreciate the moment when it happens for once it's gone, it's gone for good.

Add your reply

Write about your feelings and thoughts about Once Upon A Time

Know what this song is about? Does it mean anything special hidden between the lines to you? Share your meaning with community, make it interesting and valuable. Make sure you've read our simple .

U

or log in with

Min 50 words

Not bad

Good

Awesome!

View 10 more explanations

Add your explanation

Write an explanation

20 words

Good

Cool

Awesome!

Explanation guidelines:

Describe what artist is trying to say in a certain line, whether it's personal feelings, strong statement or something else.
Provide song facts, names, places and other worthy info that may give readers a perfect insight on the song's meaning.
Add links, pictures and videos to make your explanation more appealing. Provide quotes to support the facts you mention.

Before you get started, be sure to check out these explanations created by our users: good, very good, great.

Request explanation

Ask us or our community about the part of the song that interests you
We will try to respond as soon as possible

0-9 A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z