Once in a While
George Wein 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 George Wein is a poignant and bittersweet expression of a love that has faded but still lingers on in memory. The singer is asking their former lover to think of them "once in a while," to remember the moments they shared even though they are now apart. Despite the fact that the other person may have moved on to someone else, the singer still holds onto the hope that their love may be rekindled, that the "spark" may "burn again."


The lyrics use powerful imagery to convey the depth of the singer's feelings. Love is compared to a "smoldering ember," a metaphor that suggests that the intensity of the relationship has faded, but that there is still the possibility of reigniting the flame. The phrase "one spark may remain" is particularly evocative, suggesting that even a tiny glimmer of hope can keep the flame alive. The use of the word "contented" at the end of the song is also interesting, as it suggests a kind of resigned acceptance of the situation. The singer may not be able to be with their former lover, but they can still find comfort in the memories of what once was.


Overall, "Once in a While" is a beautifully crafted song that captures the complexities and nuances of love and loss. Its poignant lyrics and haunting melody have made it a classic in the American songbook.


Line by Line Meaning

Once in a while will you try to give
Can you spare some time and effort for me every now and then?


One little thought to me
Just a single moment of consideration or reflection on who I am to you.


Though someone else may be
Even if there is someone else who is closer or dearer to you in heart and mind.


Nearer your heart?
Do I still mean something to you, even if not as much as others?


Once in a while will you dream
Do I still linger in your thoughts when you're asleep and your subconscious reigns?


Of the moments I shared with you
Can you recall and relive the times we spent together, just for a moment?


Moments before we two
The moments that were shared just between us, before we became apart.


Drifted apart?
Before we became distant and disconnected from each other.


In love's smoldering ember
Even if our love has faded and died down to a low flame.


One spark may remain
There is still a chance, however small, that love may reignite.


If love still can remember
If the memory and emotions of love still persist, even years after the fact.


That spark may burn again
There is hope that the passion and romance can be rekindled and brought back to life.


I know that I'll be contented
Even if we don't reconnect, I will be satisfied with how things used to be.


With yesterday's memory
The bittersweet, nostalgic memories of when we were together.


Knowing you think of me
Just the knowledge that you haven't completely forgotten about me means a lot.


Once in a while
Even if it's infrequent and irregular, just a few moments of thought or reminiscence are enough to bring comfort and solace.




Lyrics © OBO APRA/AMCOS

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

MrJimmienoone

Outstanding. Tasteful, sophisticated, great singing by George Wein. 

Joe Carbery

Lovely voice. Never knew he could sing so well.

Scott Robinson

Beautiful.

Jim Denham

RIP George

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