Once In A While
Frank Sinatra & The Tommy Dorsey Orchestra Lyrics
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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, just one spark may remain,
If love still can remember, that spark may burn again.
I know that I'd be contented with yesterday's memory,
The song Once In A While by Frank Sinatra & The Tommy Dorsey Orchestra is a soulful and poignant reflection on lost love and unsuccessful relationships. The lyrics poetically express the yearning of the singer for his lost love, hoping that she thinks of him every once in a while amongst all the other people in her life. The singer acknowledges that though someone else may be closer to her heart at the moment, he still hopes that she remembers the moments they shared together before their relationship fell apart.
The song employs a beautiful metaphor of love being an ember that may still have a spark left in it, and if love can remember that spark, it may be rekindled again. The singer concedes that he may never be able to rekindle his lost love, but the memories of their past love will content him if the object of his affections thinks of him once in a while.
Overall, the song is a somber and nostalgic tribute to lost love and the lingering memories that it leaves behind. The poignant lyrics are elevated by Frank Sinatra's soulful delivery and the beautiful orchestral arrangement by Tommy Dorsey.
Line by Line Meaning
Once in awhile, will you try to give one little thought to me,
Occasionally, would you make an effort to remember me, even if somebody else is closer to your heart.
Though someone else may be nearer your heart.
Even if you are in love with somebody else.
Once in a while, will you dream of the moments I shared with you,
From time to time, would you dream about the moments we spent together.
Moments before we two drifted apart.
The time before we ended our relationship and went separate ways.
In love's smoldering ember, just one spark may remain,
Even when love fades away, a small spark might still exist.
If love still can remember, that spark may burn again.
If that spark is nurtured, it may turn into a strong flame again.
I know that I'd be contented with yesterday's memory,
I would be satisfied with only memories of the past.
Knowing you think of me once in a while.
As long as I know that you occasionally think of me.
Contributed by Adeline J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.