Once in a While
Art Blakey Quintet Lyrics

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.