One day I got the notion
To teach a fish to fly
So I went down to the ocean
When the tide was plenty high
Found a fish, we talked
And I pointed to the sky
But he didn't even try
No, he didn't even try
[Chorus:]
No one listens to wise old me
And I know hot things ought to be
I ain't blind but sure don't see
Why no one listens to wise old me
One day I said to me
Let's teach a bird to swim
So I climbed way up a tree
And I went out on a limb
Found a bird, we talked
And I pointed to the sea
And that bird just sang to me
That bird just sang to me
As sure as clouds live in the sky
There's a place for you and I
If you don't learn to let things be
You'll find your wise self up a tree
Now, please do not be frightened
By the things that sound absurd
As how man can be enlightened
By the wisdom of a bird
And so can you, so let it be
A lesson for today
And may I never hear you say
May I never hear you say
[Chorus]
No one listens to wise old me