Between 1994 and 2004, Murphy charted a total of thirteen singles on the U.S. Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks charts, one of which (1995's "Dust on the Bottle") reached Number One. In addition, he has co-written singles for other country artists, including "Living in Fast Forward", a Number One single for Kenny Chesney in 2006.
Just Once
David Lee Murphy Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Who looks like you without having thoughts
Run through his head and straight past his heart
Well I might not stand a ghost of a chance
You're a one man woman not a one night stand
You're not the kind to let it go that far
And but I wouldn't think twice
Just once what I wouldn't do
To get my arms on a woman like you
Just once I'd love to know what it's like
And just once before I die
What I wouldn't give for just one night
Just once or twice
I'm gazing into your big brown eyes
Tonight I'm a little bit hypnotized
What makes a man put himself through this
I can't count the times I've held my breath
As you walked past to control myself
Well I think it's time to get it off my chest
And so what I'd like to say
'Cause if I had my way
Just once what I wouldn't do
To get my arms on a woman like you
Just once I'd love to know what it's like
And just once before I die
What I wouldn't give for just one night
Just once or twice
Well if you changed your mind
Well I wouldn't think twice
Just once what I wouldn't do
To get my arms on a woman like you
Just once I'd love to know what it's like
And just once before I die
What I wouldn't give for just one night
Just once or twice
And just once or twice
The song “Just Once” by David Lee Murphy is about a man who has fallen for a woman he cannot have. He is attracted to her physical beauty and is struggling to control his thoughts and emotions. However, he knows that she is not interested in a casual fling and is looking for a long-term relationship. He acknowledges that his chances with her are slim, but he cannot help but daydream about what it would feel like to hold her in his arms.
The lyrics highlight the internal struggle that the singer is facing. He is torn between his desires and the reality of the situation. He knows that this woman is special and not the type to engage in one night stands, which makes him respect her even more. Despite the challenging circumstances, he cannot help but dream of being with her just once before he dies.
The song portrays the emotional complexities of desire, attraction, and unrequited love. It reminds us that sometimes it’s not about the destination but the journey, and that one should always strive to live their life with passion and purpose.
Line by Line Meaning
A man can't look at a woman too long
A man cannot stare at a woman like you for too long without having thoughts run through his head and desire rising in his heart.
Who looks like you without having thoughts
Who has the same captivating beauty as you without having desires and fantasies in his mind.
Run through his head and straight past his heart
The desires and fantasies run through his mind and directly affect his emotions and feelings.
Well I might not stand a ghost of a chance
I might not have any chance at all with you.
You're a one man woman not a one night stand
You are not someone who seeks temporary pleasures but instead someone who is loyal and committed in a relationship.
You're not the kind to let it go that far
You are not the type of person to lead someone on, you have your boundaries.
And but I wouldn't think twice
And if you were to change your mind, I wouldn't hesitate to take a chance.
Just once what I wouldn't do
If only I had the opportunity, there's nothing I wouldn't do just once to experience being with a woman like you.
To get my arms on a woman like you
To have the chance to physically embrace a woman of your caliber.
Just once I'd love to know what it's like
Just once, I would like to experience what it feels like to be with someone as beautiful and captivating as you.
And just once before I die
Before I die, I would like the opportunity to experience being with a woman like you at least once.
What I wouldn't give for just one night
I would give anything and do anything if it meant I could spend just one night with a woman like you.
Just once or twice
Even the chance to be with you just once or twice would be worth it all.
I'm gazing into your big brown eyes
I am staring deeply into your beautiful and alluring brown eyes.
Tonight I'm a little bit hypnotized
I am entranced by your beauty and am captivated by the spell you've put me under.
What makes a man put himself through this
What drives a man to put himself in a situation where his heart is on the line and he may not get what he wants?
I can't count the times I've held my breath
I have lost track of the times I have had to hold my breath and keep my desire hidden in your presence.
As you walked past and controlled myself
As you walk by, I have to try and control my emotions and desire, so as not to make it obvious.
Well I think it's time to get it off my chest
I believe that now is the time to confess my feelings and desires for you.
And so what I'd like to say
And what I want to express in words is...
Well if you changed your mind
If you were to have a change of heart...
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Barry Mann, Cynthia Weil
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Daniel Barbour
A man can't look at a woman too long
Who looks like you without having thoughts
Run through his head and straight past his heart
Well I might not stand a ghost of a chance
You're a one man woman not a one night stand
You're not the kind to let it go that far
And but I wouldn't think twice
If you ever changed your mind
Just once what I wouldn't do
To get my arms on a woman like you
Just once I'd love to know what it's like
And just once before I die
What I wouldn't give for just one night
Just once or twice
I'm gazing into your big brown eyes
Tonight I'm a little bit hypnotized
What makes a man put himself through this
I can't count the times I've held my breath
As you walked past to control myself
Well I think it's time to get it off my chest
And so what I'd like to say
'Cause if I had my way
Just once what I wouldn't do
To get my arms on a woman like you
Just once I'd love to know what it's like
And just once before I die
What I wouldn't give for just one night
Just once or twice
Well if you changed your mind
Well I wouldn't think twice
Just once what I wouldn't do
To get my arms on a woman like you
Just once I'd love to know what it's like
And just once before I die
What I wouldn't give for just one night
Just once or twice
And just once or twice
hssenior
This is a damn good song I could listen to this and not get tired of it
hssenior
This is a damn good song they need more music like this I could listen to this and not get tired of it
T Wolff
Greatest album ever made!
Breda J Bergin
v talented man. he still has it. love him
Dave Wollenberg
David Lee hit #36 in Billboard, 6-11-94. God bless!
Micah Reagan
My husband introduced me to this song and I can’t get enough of it. There’s times he even sing along with it.
Anne Ragsdale
Love this song!
Deanna Cava
I love this song from David Lee Murphy
Eric William
Hello Deanna. How are you doing?
vicky flanagan
Another great song. David lee has great songs and videos. he is a great song writer and singer