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