“Once Upon a Time” by Tiwa Savage is the title track from her debut studio album Once Upon a Time, released in 2013. The song sets the tone for the entire project, reflecting Tiwa’s personal journey, struggles, and triumphs on her path to success.
Lyrically, it takes on a reflective, storytelling approach, beginning with “once upon a time” like a fairytale, but instead of fantasy, it narrates her real-life perseverance in the music industry. Tiwa expresses gratitude to God, acknowledges her challenges, and celebrates how far she has come despite doubt and hardship.
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[Intro]
Okay now Tiwa, it's time to go to bed
Nooooo
No no no, you have to go to bed now because you have to wake up very early in the morning
I don’t want to, I don’t want to
Okay, Mummy promises
We can read your favorite bedtime story
But you have to go to bed right after
Okay, mommy
There was once a girl
In Isale Eko
Every morning she always wants to sing for mummy and her daddy
So her mommy took her to London and she sang for the queen
And she became a princess
And then she went to Hollywood
And she met a handsome American man
Named Mr. Balogun
And then he introduced her to all the big stars
In the whole wide world
And they loved her
But one day
As she was sad
And she started to cry
And the handsome American man
Mr. Balogun asked her why she was sad
And she said because she wanted to be a star
And sing for the whole wide world
And the handsome American man
Mr. Balogun said he will make her a big star
And that’s where it all began
Once upon a time
Uploaded by: Enobong • Upload date: 10/29/2025
