Among 38 Special's best-known songs are "Caught Up in You" (1982) and "If I'd Been the One" (1983), both of which hit #1 on Billboard magazine's album rock chart, as well as "Second Chance" (1989), a #1 hit on Billboard's adult contemporary chart. According to Songfacts, it was the biggest Adult Contemporary hit of 1989. Other popular singles include "Hold On Loosely" (1981), "Fantasy Girl" (1981), "Back Where You Belong" (1984), and "Somebody Like You" (1986). These and other tracks are often played on classic rock radio stations.
After achieving three platinum albums and one gold album in the 80s, their popularity waned over the 90s-- although their 1997 single "Fade to Blue" hit #37 on the mainstream rock chart. More recently, the group's music came back into prominence after being featured in the 2001 cult classic comedy film 'Super Troopers', with songs such as "Trooper With An Attitude". They continue to tour to audiences in the American south and beyond.
The current lineup is comprised of vocalist Donnie Van Zant, guitarists Don Barnes and Danny Chauncey, bassist Larry Junstrom, keyboardist Bobby Capps, and drummer Gary Moffatt. Recently, both Donnie Van Zant and little brother Johnnie (the current frontman of Lynyrd Skynyrd) have joined forces as Van Zant and have released an album with another in the works.
Once in a Lifetime
.38 Special Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And lately, it's learnin' to know when it's the real one
It may be close at hand, don't try to understand it all
'Cause once in a lifetime
First love, they tell you to wait
For the right one and then it's too late
Next time just leave it to fate
Your heart aches for every day anticipatin'
Just hold on, your time will come, 'cause you've been waitin'
Don't let it bring you down your second chance will come around
'Cause once in a lifetime
First love, they tell you to wait
For the right one and then it's too late
Next time just leave it to fate
You only get a chance once in a lifetime, yeah
Don't worry 'cause it's bound to happen
It ain't easy when your life is passin' you by
It doesn't matter how you try
You know it's just a state of mind yeah, yeah
Hey first love, they tell you to wait
For the right one and then it's too late
Next time just leave it to fate
You only get a chance once in a lifetime
Once in a lifetime
Once in a lifetime
The song "Once in a Lifetime" by .38 Special is a classic rock ballad that speaks about the fleeting nature of love and the significance of grabbing the opportunity when it comes. The chorus talks about the rarity of love stating "once in a lifetime" and hence every individual must seize the day when love comes knocking. The lyrics argue that it may be challenging to understand love when it is right in front of you, and love can come at any moment. Therefore, it is essential to keep an open mind and be ready to take a chance when it presents itself.
The verse suggests that one's first love may not be the one they end up with, but it prepares them for their next one. It advises individuals to wait for the right person instead of settling for less. The song also emphasizes patience and perseverance while waiting for love, indicating that one must hold on to their hope and dreams while waiting for what they desire. The lyrics highlight that love takes time and waiting for the right person is worth it.
In summary, "Once in a Lifetime" is a classic rock song that speaks to the complexity and rarity of love. It encourages individuals not to settle for less and be ready to take their chances when love comes around.
Line by Line Meaning
Lovers, they come and go just like the seasons
Relationships are like seasons, constantly changing irrespective of your wishes.
And lately, it's learnin' to know when it's the real one
Recently, the realization of the 'real' lover has been slowly dawning upon me.
It may be close at hand, don't try to understand it all
The right lover could be around the corner, and one need not scrutinize the situation too much.
'Cause once in a lifetime
These opportunities come only once in a lifetime.
First love, they tell you to wait
We are often advised to wait for our first love.
For the right one and then it's too late
But then we realize that waiting for that perfect match, we missed our chance.
Next time just leave it to fate
So the next time, it's best to let destiny take over.
You only get a chance once in a lifetime
You rarely get a second chance - this opportunity comes only once in a lifetime.
Your heart aches for every day anticipatin'
The wait can be excruciating, and the heart yearns each day in anticipation.
Just hold on, your time will come, 'cause you've been waitin'
Yet, hope helps us push on because we've been waiting for this our whole lives.
Don't let it bring you down your second chance will come around
Don't be disheartened. A second chance may come your way.
'Cause once in a lifetime
But, remember, it comes only once in a lifetime.
Don't worry 'cause it's bound to happen
Don't fret too much; it's bound to happen anyway.
It ain't easy when your life is passing you by
Although it may seem like life is passing you by.
It doesn't matter how you try
No matter how hard you try to change fate.
You know it's just a state of mind yeah, yeah
It all comes down to one's perspective and attitude.
Hey first love, they tell you to wait
They always say, 'wait for your first love.'
For the right one and then it's too late
By the time the right one comes, it's often too late.
Next time just leave it to fate
So, the next time, we leave it up to destiny.
You only get a chance once in a lifetime
Opportunities like these come just once in a lifetime.
Once in a lifetime
Yes, just once in a lifetime.
Once in a lifetime
Indeed, once in a lifetime.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: JAMES DOUGLAS VALLANCE, RICHARD DONALD BARNES
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind