Once In A While
Art Blakey Quintet Lyrics


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Once in a while will you try to give
One little thought to me
Though someone else may be
Nearer your heart?

Once in a while will you dream
Of the moments I shared with you
Moments before we two
Drifted apart?

In love's smoldering ember
One spark may remain
If love still can remember
That spark may burn again

I know that I'll be contented
With yesterday's memory
Knowing you think of me
Once in a while

In love's smoldering ember
One spark may remain
If love still can remember
The spark may burn again

I know that I'll be contented
With yesterday's memory




Knowing you think of me
Once in a while

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Art Blakey Quintet’s “Once in a While” speak of longing, regret, and the persistence of memory. The song addresses a former lover, asking for them to occasionally remember the singer despite having moved on to someone else. The first stanza poses the question, “Once in a while will you try to give / One little thought to me / Though someone else may be / Nearer your heart?” This sets the tone for the rest of the song – the singer is asking to be remembered, but knows that they are no longer the most important person in their former lover’s life. The second stanza builds on the idea of nostalgia and memory, as the singer asks if their former lover will ever dream of the moments they shared before drifting apart.


The third stanza seems to be the most optimistic, as the singer reflects on the possibility of rekindling their love: “In love's smoldering ember / One spark may remain / If love still can remember / That spark may burn again.” However, this optimism is short-lived, as the final stanza acknowledges that the singer will likely never be a significant presence in their former lover’s life: “I know that I'll be contented / With yesterday's memory / Knowing you think of me / Once in a while.” The song ends on a bittersweet note, with the singer being resigned to their memories of the past.


Overall, “Once in a While” is an emotionally complex song that deals with the themes of love, loss, and the persistence of memory. It seems to be a meditation on the idea of moving on from a relationship while still holding onto the past. The lyrics are elegant and understated, with a simple melody that allows the words to take center stage.


Line by Line Meaning

Once in a while will you try to give
Occasionally, will you attempt to spare even one thought for me?


One little thought to me
Even a small consideration towards me.


Though someone else may be
Even though you may have someone else who is closer to your heart.


Nearer your heart?
More focused and invested in your heart?


Once in a while will you dream
Once in a while, will you allow yourself to reminisce about the moments we shared.


Of the moments I shared with you
Recalling the moments we shared together.


Moments before we two
Moments before the distance grew between us.


Drifted apart?
Separated from each other.


In love's smoldering ember
In the residual traces of love's once passionate spark.


One spark may remain
Even one interest may endure.


If love still can remember
If there is still memory of love left.


That spark may burn again
That spark may ignite again.


I know that I'll be contented
I believe I would be appeased.


With yesterday's memory
With the memories of past.


Knowing you think of me
Understanding that you think of me sometimes.


Once in a while
Now and then.




Lyrics © O/B/O APRA/AMCOS

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

James Meckley

Sunday afternoon, at home because everything closed for Virus pandemic, glass of wine and just chilling on the great tunes and music of the old masters. Life ain't so bad with wine, great music and a supply of toilet paper.

jibsmokestack1

Clifford was such an amazing player!

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seeker777100

Calvin "bubba" Hawkins, Robert "keg" Wilkerson, Walter "butch" Ales, one of our favorites at Ellsworth AFB South Dakota 1963-64. The time of our friendship and fellowship, hope to see the again in the presence of Jesus Christ in his eternal kingdom.

坂巻 去来

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