Discover the story of the song > One Of These Things First – Nick Drake

The song is about the various paths the protagonist's life could have taken. He could have been a sailor, cook, lover, book, signpost, clock, pillar, door, statue, friend, whistle, flute or giver. He reflects on all the possibilities and wonders how his life would have turned out if he had pursued any of these paths. The chorus repeats that he could have been one of these things first and that he should be here and now.