Once in a While
George Van Eps Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

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 George Van Eps is a nostalgic reflection on a past love. The singer longs for the affection of someone who may be with another person presently. The song is a plea to this person to not completely forget the moments shared together despite drifting apart. The lyrics express the hope that a spark of love may still exist and if nurtured, could turn into a burning flame once again. The singer is resigned to the fact that they may only be a memory and holds onto that thought, taking comfort in knowing that they are thought of once in a while.


The lyrics of "Once in a while" have been covered by several artists across different genres, including Billie Holiday, Nat King Cole, and Frank Sinatra. The song has proved to be a jazz standard and has been performed by many artists in jazz clubs across the world.


Line by Line Meaning

Once in a while will you try to give
Would you, every now and then, make an effort to consider me?


One little thought to me
Even just a fleeting thought or moment of consideration towards me?


Though someone else may be
Despite the presence of another person in your heart?


Nearer your heart?
Who may hold a closer position in your heart?


Once in a while will you dream
Occasionally, would you let yourself indulge in imagining?


Of the moments I shared with you
Reflecting on the past and the moments we cherished together?


Moments before we two
Precisely from the time period when we were still a duo?


Drifted apart?
Leading up to when we experienced separation?


In love's smoldering ember
Within the slow-burning embers of love that may still exist?


One spark may remain
Perhaps one single trace of passion may still linger on?


If love still can remember
Providing that love holds the ability to recollect the past?


That spark may burn again
It's plausible that this remaining love may reignite once more?


I know that I'll be contented
I am certain that I shall find peace and satisfaction


With yesterday's memory
Simply reminiscing on the events of the past


Knowing you think of me
If I'm aware that at least on occasion, you remember me


Once in a while
Even on rare occasions




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:

@basicsforbaroqueimprovisation

Hi François - I had lessons with George and we talked often. I asked him about these 1949 sessions and remember him saying he wrote out the changes and modulations for the bassist. I don't recall him saying that he composed these solos. He was.always practicing ( upwards of 8 hours a day even into 80s ! ) and I can well believe that he was improvising a lot of this within the structure of the changes he had decided upon. He was a tremendously inspiring person and my time with him is one of my fondest memories.
I still miss George. Cheers - John

@FrancoisLeduc

I apologize in advance... this one is pure madness!! haha... no kidding George Van Eps technique and harmonic comprehension is beyond imagination. Most people, including me, knew him for his 7 strings solo guitar works but early 'Van Eps' is dope! This performance is particularly impressive. At Least it seems to be a 'written' solo. If that is an improvised solo... that's it... I quit! Good Luck!

@Guitareben

François Leduc thanks man, this is great!

@davidchamberlain8910

The earlier stuff is the best. I wish he had recorded more trio stuff during this period.

@elninojustino

This one and the other one by him that you posted "I never knew" are so different from other jazz guitar versions. He makes these old, dry songs come to life!

@xxczerxx

Insane to think some guy was coming up with this stuff in 1949. I mean, just TEARING up the instrument. The technique, the voicings, everything.... All with no internet, and very few books on jazz guitar, nevermind as a solo instrument. Thanks for the upload, what a piece!

@FrancoisLeduc

I was having the same reflection while transcribing it... maybe they had less distractions and were very focus on their craft, i don't know but that's mysterious.

@alessandrosabino84

Sensacional 👏👏👏

@Fantomas72

Insane speed on those voicings !

@briantotten7167

Absolutely incredible! Thanks Francois!

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