This song was inspired by the children's book, "The Ugly Duckling."

This song was inspired by the children's book, "The Ugly Duckling." It is clear enough to realize that this is not just a child's story, as I realized myself in reading the book again as an adult. I realized that in many ways, that story was my life and that in the journey God was making something beautiful of my life.

THE SWAN
Words and Music By Carolyn J. Vargas
Copyright © 1997 (ASCAP)

Clumsy and awkward
Rumpled and thin
Waddled the duckling
Just trying to fit in

It seemed quite confusing
When others he'd find
They weren't really helpful
No, they weren't really kind

All he wanted
Was to find his place in line
But he didn't know
That it just wasn't his time
The poor little duckling
He waddled, he waddled along

The harder he tried
The worse things became
The poor little duckling
Was called many names

Tired and worn out
Not feeling his best
He cried for a place
Where he might find some rest

All he wanted
Was to find his place in line
But he didn't know
That it just wasn't his time

The poor little duckling
He waddled, he waddled along

What could he do
Sad and so discouraged
Cold and alone
Through the terrible winter
Oh what a struggle
The duckling barely survived

Then suddenly everything
Started to change
The snow melted
Spring finally came
There was hope in the air
When the duckling opened his eyes

The sky was alive
With the warmth of the sun
The beautiful trees
Were all starting to bud

He looked in the water
And could not believe
The lovely reflection
He was able to see

There wasn't a duckling
In the pond
But to his amazement
Was a swan
Gliding with ease
Moving with such dignity

There never would be
A question in mind
That the poor little duckling
Found his place in the line

Happy and joyful
Swimming with ease
Was the great swan
For all to see

No, there wasn't a duckling
In the pond
But for all to behold
There was a swan
Gliding along
Moving with such dignity