... Throughout the 1950s, Laine enjoyed a second career singing the title songs of Hollywood films and television shows, including: Gunfight At OK Corral, 3:10 To Yuma, Bullwhip, and Rawhide. His rendition of the title song for Mel Brooks' 1974 movie Blazing Saddles won an Oscar nomination for Best Song, and his recording of "Rawhide" for the television series of the same name has become a classic of the genre.
It Only Happens Once
Frankie Laine Lyrics
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I'll never feel that thrill again,
It only happens once,
Why couldn't I have known it then?
Since I lost you, dear one,
Nothing seems to be the same,
I tried hard but it's no use,
It only happens once,
I realize that now is past,
And I was such a dunce,
Because I couldn't make it last.
Why go on pretending?
I just can't love someone new.
It only happens once,
And for me that once was you!
Why go on pretending?
I just can't love someone new.
It only happens once,
And for me that once was you!
In "It Only Happens Once," Frankie Laine croons about the passing of a love that he once held dear. He repeats the refrain "It only happens once," expressing sorrow and regret that this great love of his life has slipped away. Laine laments the fact that he did not appreciate the love while it was still happening. He sings, "Why couldn't I have known it then?" implying that he may have acted differently had he known that their love wouldn't come around again. The song is full of lamentation and frustration, that he has lost a love that he can never get back, that he cannot imagine loving someone else.
The lyrics suggest that Laine is experiencing something universal, that everyone has experienced -- the feeling of a love that has passed. Whether it was a love that was fleeting, unrequited, or a heartbreak that left you raw, the pain and the impossibility of moving on is something that many people can relate to. The message of the song is bittersweet -- enjoy the love that you have while you have it because it only happens once, and once it's gone, you can never get it back.
Line by Line Meaning
It only happens once,
This particular thing only occurs once in a lifetime.
I'll never feel that thrill again,
I will never experience that same excitement again.
It only happens once,
This particular thing only occurs once in a lifetime.
Why couldn't I have known it then?
I wish I had realized it at that time.
Since I lost you, dear one,
Because you left me, my life has drastically changed.
Nothing seems to be the same,
Everything is different and unfamiliar now.
I tried hard but it's no use,
I attempted to move on, but it didn't work.
My heart won't play the game.
I can't force myself to fall in love with someone new.
It only happens once,
This particular thing only occurs once in a lifetime.
I realize that now is past,
It's too late now to experience it again.
And I was such a dunce,
I was foolish for not fully appreciating it when I had it.
Because I couldn't make it last.
I was unable to make it continue, and it ended.
Why go on pretending?
What's the point of pretending when it's not true?
I just can't love someone new.
I am unable to love someone else like I loved you.
It only happens once,
This particular thing only occurs once in a lifetime.
And for me that once was you!
You were the one and only time I experienced it, and I miss you.
Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing
Written by: FRANKIE LAINE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind