Although known primarily as a singer, May also plays the bodhrán, guitar and tambourine. Described as "a unique vocal talent," May is known for her musical style of rockabilly revival and has also been compared to female jazz musicians such as Billie Holiday.
Born in Dublin, the youngest of five children, she fell in love with rockabilly at the age of nine, though was also exposed to a range of musical styles, from Irish traditional music to Elvis Presley. She now specialises in rockabilly, singing her own material and covers. Her debut album with Blue Harlem was No Turning Back, which was followed by Swing Street, and Talk to Me. Her first solo release was Love Tattoo.
May has shared the stage with Alison Moyet, Dionne Warwick, Bryan Ferry, Anastasia, The Supremes, Sister Sledge, Scissor Sisters, Matt Bianco, Elvis Costello, Jools Holland, Elton John, and Jeff Beck.
Once More
Imelda May Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
If i could touch you, once more
If i could tell you, i need you, once more
To hold you near me, once more
And feel your kisses, once more
If i could share your love, like i once did, before
I miss the old sensations, that was once so warm and real
Please let me open the door
To all we knew once, once before
Say you'll forgive me, and love me
Once more
The opening lines of Imelda May's Once More reveal a sense of desperation and longing for a lost love. The singer is consumed by the desire to see and touch this person again, to recapture the passion that they once shared. The tone is wistful and melancholic, with the repetition of "once more" emphasizing the fleeting nature of human connection and the ache of regret. The chorus expresses the depth of the singer's desire, wishing to be held and kissed by their former lover, to share in their love once again.
The second verse expands on this idea, highlighting the difficulty of finding adequate words to explain the depth of the singer's feelings. There is a sense of yearning for something intangible, a desire to reclaim a feeling that has slipped through their fingers. The lyrics are poignant and emotional, painting a vivid picture of a love that has been lost but not forgotten.
Overall, Once More is a powerful ballad that speaks to the universal experiences of love and loss. Imelda May's soulful vocals and heartfelt lyrics create a sense of intimacy and vulnerability that is both moving and relatable.
Line by Line Meaning
If i could see you, once more
I long to behold you once more
If i could touch you, once more
I crave to feel your warmth once again
If i could tell you, i need you, once more
I yearn to express how much I depend on you once more
To hold you near me, once more
I desire to embrace you closely once more
And feel your kisses, once more
I wish I could experience your tender kisses once more
If i could share your love, like i once did, before
I dream of being able to share the same affection as we did in the past
No simple explanation, can tell you how I feel
My emotions are too complex and deep to convey with simple words
I miss the old sensations, that was once so warm and real
I long for the comfort and familiarity of our past relationship
Please let me open the door
Please give me the chance to reconnect with you
To all we knew once, once before
To revisit the bond we once shared
Say you'll forgive me, and love me
Please let me know you can forgive me and love me like you used to
Once more
Just one more chance to make things right
Contributed by Landon K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.