… Read Full Bio ↴Charlie Ventura (1916–1992) was a tenor saxophonist and bandleader.
Ventura was born Charles Venturo in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on 2nd December 1916. He had his first successes working with Gene Krupa. In 1945 he won the Down Beat readers' poll in the tenor saxophone division. In the late 1940s he ran a few successful ensembles with vocalists Jackie Cain, and Roy Kral, and went on to be known for "bop for the people".
After the 1950s he made few recordings, but did club work in Las Vegas, where he worked with Jackie Gleason. On 17th January 1992 died in Pleasantville, New Jersey at the age of seventy-five, of lung cancer.
Once In A While
Charlie Ventura Lyrics
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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
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
The song "Once in a While" is a lament of a lover who has been separated from the object of their affection. The singer implores the person they love to spare a thought for them, even if their heart now belongs to someone else. The lyrics express the singer's wistful yearning for the affection and connection that they used to share. They ask their lover to remember the moments they shared together, even though they are now apart. The reference to "love's smoldering ember" suggests that there may be a chance for rekindling their romance, though the singer knows that they may have to content themselves with memories.
The song's emotional resonance is heightened by its simplicity. The lyrics are straightforward and uncomplicated, which makes the sentiments behind them all the more powerful. The melody, too, is simple but compelling, with a gentle, lilting quality that conveys the singer's sense of longing. Altogether, "Once in a While" is a poignant and affecting ballad that speaks to the universal human experiences of love, loss, and memory.
Line by Line Meaning
Once in a while will you try to give
Can you take a step to offer me a little care occasionally?
One little thought to me
A small, brief moment of thinking about me would suffice.
Though someone else may be
Even if you have someone else in your life.
Nearer your heart?
Who might be closer to your heart than me?
Once in a while will you dream
Do you ever dream of the sweet moments we shared?
Of the moments I shared with you
The lovely times we used to spend together.
Moments before we two
The times before we grew apart.
Drifted apart?
When we went our separate ways and lost touch.
In love's smoldering ember
During those quiet moments when the love still lingers.
One spark may remain
The love may still endure if a tiny flame is still present.
If love still can remember
If the love still exists deep down.
That spark may burn again
The fire of our affection can reignite.
I know that I'll be contented
I know I can find solace in
With yesterday's memory
The memories of our love that I cherish.
Knowing you think of me
The thought of you thinking of me occasionally.
Once in a while
Even if it's just from time to time.
Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing, BMG Rights Management, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: BUD GREEN, MICHAEL EDWARDS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind