There Once Was a Time — A sunlit Merced main street carries a horse cart, a vintage sedan and a modern bicycle through layered eras while an older storyteller holds a pocket watch

The songbook

There Once Was a Time

Words by Douglas Heyes Jr. Listen to the recorded versions and follow the lyric below.

Original Doug Heyes lyrics · AI-generated music & vocals

A narrator recalls a period of freedom and romance before fear, isolation and departure interrupted it. Remembered dances and shared promises remain vivid through the separation. An unexpected reunion reopens the story, turning the old wishing well and returning flowers into signs that their affection may still have a future.

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Recorded versions

3 recordings. Different voices and arrangements bring another side of the song into the light.

Lyrics

There Once Was a Time

Words by Douglas Heyes Jr

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THERE ONCE WAS A TIME

There Once Was A Time, back when it was all mine
When no one was saying that I must get in Line
It could be I was Blind or too far Past the Line
I Ran for my Life in the bare nick of time
It was a Time of Red Roses and Strawberry Wine
A time when the Nightside could turn out Divine
Lost in the music, the rhythm and rhyme
Life was a waltz then in ¾-Time

We'd go out Together, we'd Dance and we’d Dine
The Days went Forever, then turned into Night
Silk, Lace and Leather in Fields of Blue Heather
A Feeling of Bliss when a Kiss lasts  All Night
As for me, I had never known this Love before
I was somewhere Downriver, locked Behind the Door
My Solitude was Solitary Confinement
Like an old, Stringer Newsman who got lost on Assignment

Somehow, I was Searching for Perfect Alignment
Always researching new ways of Defiance
When you came along, we could form an Alliance
Like two Gladiators who are facing the Lions

There is no reason why I should be here
For, into the Shadowlands I Disappeared
Come to the Badlands of my deepest Fears
Or, let us find some way to get out of here
There Once Was A Time back in Evangeline
You made a Promise that you would be mine
I still believe you just got out In Time
Right before all our Water would turn into Wine

That was the last time I saw you till now
With tears in your eyes, a Theatrical Bow
It was a Surprise to me anyhow
You fell down on your knees, and then you Kissed the Yround
There Once Was A Time I Remember so well
When we Danced as Lovers by the Old Wishing Well
Morning Glory is Blossoming Heavenly Blue
Our Story is Promising because I Love You
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