Lyrics. I once had a dream. Let me tell you! I was only a child like you. It was one of those dreams that you never forget, and you half-believe to be true. I dreamed I saw in the rowan tree A shining garland of fire. It was high in the branches, but I could see The form of an ancient lyre. It sang as I drew near, This song, which enchanted my ear : (Chorus) Mercury made me long ago, Before this world was born: From the shell of a tortoise, olive wood, And Apollo's oxen horn. My magical strings will never break, Through earth, air, water or fire. Apollo chose me to be his own: Now he has gone to a world unknown. Play me - to have your heart's desire, For I am Apollo's lyre. I did not wait and I climbed the tree To take this prize in my arms, While it sang to the stars, and it sang to me Of its rare and mysterious charms. It sang of wonders untold, And promised me silver and gold: (Chorus) But just before I began to play I heard a voice in my head: "The morning bells are ringing, seize the day! Rise and shine!" my mother said. I think of my dream, now and then, And I long to dream it again. I know I'll have my heart's desire, When I play on Apollo's lyre.
Lyrics.
I once had a dream. Let me tell you! I was only a child like you.
It was one of those dreams that you never forget, and you half-believe to be true.
I dreamed I saw in the rowan tree
A shining garland of fire.
It was high in the branches, but I could see
The form of an ancient lyre.
It sang as I drew near,
This song, which enchanted my ear :
(Chorus)
Mercury made me long ago,
Before this world was born:
From the shell of a tortoise, olive wood,
And Apollo's oxen horn.
My magical strings will never break,
Through earth, air, water or fire.
Apollo chose me to be his own:
Now he has gone to a world unknown.
Play me - to have your heart's desire,
For I am Apollo's lyre.
I did not wait and I climbed the tree
To take this prize in my arms,
While it sang to the stars, and it sang to me
Of its rare and mysterious charms.
It sang of wonders untold,
And promised me silver and gold:
(Chorus)
But just before I began to play
I heard a voice in my head:
"The morning bells are ringing, seize the day!
Rise and shine!" my mother said.
I think of my dream, now and then,
And I long to dream it again.
I know I'll have my heart's desire,
When I play on Apollo's lyre.