Once Upon A Long Ago
Paul McCartney · Press to Play [1986]
Picking up scales and broken chords
Puppy dog tails in the House of Lords
Tell me darling, what can it mean?
Making up moons in a minor key
What have those tunes got to do with me?
Tell me darling, where have you been?
Once upon a long ago
Children searched for treasures
Nature's plan went hand in hand with pleasure
Such pleasure
Blowing balloons on a windy day
Desolate dunes with a lot to say
Tell me darling, what have you seen?
Once upon a long ago
Children searched for treasures
Nature's plan went hand in hand with pleasure
My pleasure
Playing guitars on an empty stage
Counting the bars of an iron cage
Tell me darling, what can it mean?
Picking up scales and broken chords
Puppy dog tails in the House of Lords
Help me darling, what does it mean?
Once upon a long ago...
Once Upon A Long Ago
Recorded in 1986, "Once Upon A Long Ago" stands as a poignant song in Paul McCartney's later discography, reflecting his enduring mastery of melody and lyrical storytelling. The track appears on the album *Press to Play*, showcasing McCartney's continued ability to craft intimate, emotionally resonant songs that bridge the gap between his classic rock era and his contemporary work. As a solo artist, McCartney often explores themes of memory, loss, and the passage of time, elements that permeate this recording. The song's composition demonstrates his signature blend of acoustic warmth and harmonic sophistication, inviting listeners into a narrative that feels both personal and universally relatable. It serves as a testament to his career-long commitment to songwriting excellence, maintaining a high standard even as he navigated the musical landscape of the mid-1980s.