One Of These Things First

I could have been a sailor
Could have been a cook
A real live lover
Could have been a book.
I could have been a signpost
Could have been a clock
As simple as a kettle
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
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
One of these things first.

I could have been a whistle
Could have been a flute
A real live giver
Could have been a boot.
I could have been a signpost
Could have been a clock
As simple as a kettle
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.


[credits]
Piano: Paul Harris
Bass: Ed Carter
Drums: Mike Kowalski
All tracks by Nick Drake
All brass and string arrangements by Robert Kirby
Engieer: Joe Wood
Produced by Joe Boyd for
Witchseason Productions Ltd.