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
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

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
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

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


Lyrics submitted by foxyurchin, edited by smallwonderrobot

One of These Things First Lyrics as written by Nick Drake

Lyrics © Reservoir Media Management, Inc.

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One Of These Things First song meanings
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  • +2
    General Comment

    Thank you, dante23 for finally getting over Garden State and recognizing the song's true meaning. The song, to me, screams Buddhism and reincarnation; the title gives it away. I'm so glad someone else recognized the song from the album where it came from rather than a from a cliché indie-type movie soundtrack. Nick did have 'lovers' but also had great difficulty establishing relationships. You're right; the vivacity found in the second verse probably came from someone who made him very happy.

    Allison~!@on July 27, 2007   Link

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