Benny Goodman and His Orchestra Follow

Once I was young
Yesterday, perhaps
Danced with Jim and Paul
And kissed some other chaps.
Once I was young,
But never was naive.
I thought I had a trick or two
Up my imaginary sleeve.

[Chorus:]
I didn't know what time it was,
Then I met you.
Oh, what a lovely time it was,
How sublime it was too!
I didn't know what time it was,
You held my hand.
Warm like the month of May it was,
And I'll say it was grand.
Grand to be alive, to be young,
To be mad, to be yours alone!
Grand to see your face, feel your touch,
Hear your voice say I'm all your own.
I didn't know what time it was,
Life was no prize.
I wanted love and here it was
Shining out of your eyes.
I'm wise,
And I know what time it is now

Once I was old
Twenty years or so
Rather well preserved,
The wrinkles didn't show.
Once I ws old,
But not too old for fun.
I used to hunt for little girls
Up my imaginary gun.
But now I aim for only one!

[Chorus]