first of all

I could've been a sailor, could've been a cook
A real live lover, could've been a book
I could've been a signpost, could've 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 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 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.