Once in a While
Betty Johnson 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 song "Once in a While" is a wistful ballad that expresses the lingering hope of reconnecting with a lost love. The lyrics pose a series of plaintive questions to the object of the singer's affection, asking if they ever think about her, even though someone else may be closer to their heart. The chorus suggests that even a momentary recollection of their time together could reignite the "smoldering ember" of their past love, and bring them back together again.


The song's melancholic tone is underscored by the instrumentation, which features delicate strings and a subdued rhythm section. Betty Johnson's vocal performance is also understated, with a soft, almost hesitant delivery that conveys the vulnerability and uncertainty of the song's protagonist. Ultimately, "Once in a While" is a poignant reflection on the power of memory to sustain hope and longing, even in the face of lost love.


Line by Line Meaning

Once in a while will you try to give
Would you attempt to spare a moment for me, just now and then?


One little thought to me
A single fleeting thought that would acknowledge me.


Though someone else may be
Even though there may be another on your mind.


Nearer your heart?
Take up more space in your heart?


Once in a while will you dream
Could you dream of the past we shared before moving on?


Of the moments I shared with you
Those precious moments that we both cherished together.


Moments before we two
The moments we had before we slowly drifted apart.


Drifted apart?
Went our separate ways?


In love's smoldering ember
When love barely exists anymore.


One spark may remain
A tiny flicker of hope that love still exists.


If love still can remember
If the memory of love still persists.


That spark may burn again
This ember can ignite into new fire again.


I know that I'll be contented
I'm aware that I can live happily.


With yesterday's memory
With just the memory of yesterday's love.


Knowing you think of me
Simply being aware that you still remember me.


Once in a while
Occasionally.




Lyrics Ā© Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., CARLIN AMERICA INC, BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: RAY NOBLE

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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