Words and Music  by Shel Silverstein
New  ending verse  by Andrew McKee

Sung by "The Brobdingnagian Bards"

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

There were green alligators and long-necked geese.
Some humtie-backed camels and some chimpanzees.
Some cats and rats and elephants;  but, sure as you're born,
The loveliest of all was the unicorn!

And, the Lord seen some sinning and it gave Him pain.
And He says, "Stand back, I'm going to make it rain."
He says, "Hey Brother Noah, I'll tell you what to do
Build me a floating zoo;
and, bring some of those...

Green alligators and long-necked geese
Some humptie-backed camels and some chimpanzees.
Some cats and rats and elephants; but, sure as you're born,
Don't you forget My unicorns!"

Now, Noah was there to answer the call.
He finished building the ark just as the rain started fallin'.
He marched in the animals two by two.
And he called out as they came through,
"Hey Lord,

I've got your  green alligators and long-necked geese.
Your humptie-backed camels and your chimpanzees.
Your cats and rats and elephants; but, Lord, I'm so forlorn.
I just can't see no unicorns."

Now, Noah looked out through the driving rain.
Those unicorns were laughing and playing silly games.
They're running and a playin' while the rain was pourin'.
Oh, them silly unicorns!

There was green alligators and long-necked geese.
Some humptie-backed camels and some chimpanzees.
Noah said, "Close the door because the rain is pourin'
And we just can't wait for no unicorns!"

The ark rose up and it drifted with the tide.
And, the unicorns looked up from the rocks and they cried.
And the waters came down and sort of floated them away.
That's why you never see unicorns to this very day.

[crying]

[New Lyrics]
You might think this is the ending to the song,
But I'll have to tell you friends that in fact you'd be wrong.
You see, unicorns are magical. So when the rain started pouring,
They grew themselves some wings and they took to soarin'!

You'll see green alligators and long-necked geese.
Some humptie-backed camels and some chimpanzees.
But if you're looking for the unicorns, don't be forlorn---
The second star to the right and straight on until morning.