Once in a While
Frank Sinatra & Tommy Dorsey 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" by Frank Sinatra is about a lover who wants to somehow reconnect with their former flame who has moved on with someone else. The song speaks about how the lover still holds the loved one's memory dear in their heart, even though they are no longer together. They ask their ex-partner to think about them once in a while, and still hold a place for them in their heart.


The lyrics emphasize the emotional power of memories, and how they can stay with someone for a long time. The chorus speaks about how even a small flicker of emotion can set those memories ablaze once again, rekindling the feelings that were shared between two people at one point in the past.


This song is a bittersweet ballad that explores the intricacies of lost love and the longing for a connection with the past. It conveys the importance of memories, and how they can be held onto and cherished through time even if the person is no longer in one's life.


Line by Line Meaning

Once in a while will you try to give
Occasionally, will you make an effort to think of me?


One little thought to me
Just a small amount of contemplation directed towards me?


Though someone else may be
Despite someone else being on your mind?


Nearer your heart?
More emotionally significant to you?


Once in a while will you dream
Sometimes, will you imagine?


Of the moments I shared with you
Of the times we spent together?


Moments before we two
The moments that occurred just before we grew apart?


Drifted apart?
Became disconnected?


In love's smoldering ember
As love slowly fades away?


One spark may remain
There could be a single remaining feeling?


If love still can remember
Assuming love can recall?


That spark may burn again
Then that feeling could rekindle?


I know that I'll be contented
I am certain that I will be satisfied?


With yesterday's memory
By recollecting yesterday's moments?


Knowing you think of me
Aware that you occasionally remember me?


Once in a while
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
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Comments from YouTube:

Harry Hagan

This song, and no particular version, entered my brain and stayed all day. Sinatra and Dorsey can't be beat!

Betty Edgemon

The best music ever.The 50's and 40's cannot be beat. A time when love songs were at their best.

Vladimir Dorta

I would say the 30's with the big bands and the 40's with great singers, but all those were great decades.

Santiago Aguilar

This is the 30’s weirdo

monica bella

Just 30s & 40s !

Linda Marsella

Greatest music from the ENTERTAINER OF THE CENTURY!

Walter Gray

Great song from an era of great music, and this is a great rendition of it.
Thank you for sharing.

Gonzalo Maravilla

Gracias por compartir esta hermosa canción

Solveig M Wilder

Love it !! Miss those Days !!!

Daniel Skolnik

This is a great version of once in a while! Thanks!

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