He is perhaps known for his work with Duke Ellington's band (having replaced Jimmy Hamilton in 1968) and stylistic similarities with Ben Webster.
He worked as a freelance musician after leaving the Duke Ellington Orchestra in 1975, and took part in various reunions of Ellington alumni, as well as recording and gigging with his own bands.
Once in a While
Harold Ashby Lyrics
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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
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
The song, "Once In A While," written by Michael Edwards and Bud Greene and performed by Harold Ashby, explores themes of lost love and the persistent longing for a lost lover. The lyrics plead with the object of the singer's affections to consider, even briefly, revisiting memories of their shared past. The repetition of the phrase "once in a while" creates a sense of hope and desire in the singer, and the lyrics suggest that even a small amount of attention could rekindle their love.
The repetition of the lines "in love's smoldering ember, one spark may remain, if love still can remember, the spark may burn again," emphasizes the theme of hope and the possibility of a renewed love. The lyrics suggest that despite the distance that has built up between the two lovers, a small flame of passion may still exist. The last lines of the song reveal the singer's acceptance that memories of their shared past are all that are left, but also expresses a small amount of satisfaction in knowing that the object of their love still thinks of them "once in a while."
Line by Line Meaning
Once in a while will you try to give
Will you make an effort to give me a little bit of your attention once in a while?
One little thought to me
Will you spare even just one small thought for me?
Though someone else may be
Even though there may be someone else that has your heart?
Nearer your heart?
That is closer to your heart?
Once in a while will you dream
Will you ever take the time to dream about our shared moments?
Of the moments I shared with you
Specifically, the moments that I shared with you?
Moments before we two
The moments we shared before we drifted apart?
Drifted apart?
When our relationship slowly faded away?
In love's smoldering ember
Even though our love may have dwindled down to almost nothing?
One spark may remain
There is still a possibility that a spark of love still lingers?
If love still can remember
If love still holds a memory of us and what we had once felt?
That spark may burn again
Then that spark could reignite the flame that once existed between us
I know that I'll be contented
I am sure I will be happy
With yesterday's memory
With just the memory of our past together
Knowing you think of me
Feeling reassured that you still remember me from time to time
Once in a while
Even if it's just every now and then
Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing, BMG Rights Management
Written by: BUD GREEN, MICHAEL EDWARDS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind