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.