A long time ago when the earth was green
There were more kinds of animals than you've ever seen
They'd run around free while the earth was being born
But the loveliest of all was the unicorn

There were green alligators and long neck geese
Humpy back camels and some chimpanzees
Cats and rats and elephants
But sure as you're born
The loveliest of all was the unicorn

Well, God seen some sinners, and it gave him pain
He said: "stand back - I'm going to make it rain
He said: "hey, brother Noah, I'll tell you what to do
Build me a floating zoo

Take some of the green alligators and long neck geese
Humpy back camels and some chimpanzees
The Cats and rats and elephants
But sure as you're born
Don't you forget my unicorn."

And Noah was there to answer the call
He finished building the ark just as the rain started to fall
He marched in the animals two by two
And he called out as they went through:
"Hey Lord

I got your green alligators and long neck geese
Humpy back camels and some chimpanzees
Cats and rats and elephants, but Lord, I'm so forlorn cause
I just can't see no unicorn."

Now Noah looked out through the driving rain
And those unicorns were hiding, and playing silly games
And kicking and splashing, as the rain was pouring
Oh them silly unicorns

There were green alligators and long neck geese
Humpy back camels and some chimpanzees
Noah cried, "close the door - because the rain is pouring!
And we just can't wait for no unicorn."

Well the ark started moving, and it drifted with the tide
And the unicorns looked out through the rain
And they cried.
But the the waters rose inexorably up
And drifted them away
And that's why you've never seen a unicorn
Until this very day

... Unless you drink an awful lot on Sunday

You might see green alligators and long neck geese
Humpy back camels and some chimpanzees
Cats and rats and elephants
But sure as you're born
You'll never see no unicorn

words and music by Shel Silverstein