I am painting in oil
A portrait of a man
Who has taken all the heart aches
And all the pain he can stand
I am using all the colors of blue
I have here on my stand

I am painting in oil
A portrait of a man

I can tell he is dying
I see death in his eyes
Oh, yes, I know... I know when he's crying
'Tis my tears... my tears that he cries
I am so tired of how he feels inside
I mix the paint with my hands

I am painting in oil
A portrait of a man

As I paint a wrinkled brow
And hair that is turning grey
Oh, tell me how... how can I paint a smile
And eyes that keep turning away?
I am using all... all the colors of blue
I have here on my stand

I am painting in oil
A portrait and I'm the man
A portrait and I am the man