A desperate song about dreams of what he could’ve been – he had potential for many things, but realized none of them.

He dreams of being capable, but is stuck – doesn’t know how.[Verse 1]

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

[Chorus 1]

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

[Verse 2]

I could have been your pillar, could have been your door

I could have stayed beside you, could have stayed for more

I could have been your statue, could have been your friend

A whole long lifetime could have been the end

[Chorus 2]

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

[Instrumental Interlude]

[Verse 3]

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

[Chorus 3]

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