McShann was born in Muskogee, Oklahoma, and began working as a professional musician in 1931, performing around Tulsa, Oklahoma and neighboring Arkansas. He moved to Kansas City, Missouri in 1936, and set up his own big band, which featured Charlie Parker (from 1937 to 1942), Bernard Anderson, Ben Webster and Walter Brown. Although its book included both swing and blues numbers, the band played blues on most of its records; its most popular recording was "Confessin' the Blues." The group disbanded when McShann was drafted into the Army in 1944, and he was unable to successfully restart it when he got out.
After the war McShann began to lead small groups featuring blues shouter Jimmy Witherspoon. Witherspoon started recording with McShann in 1945, and fronting McShann's band, had a hit in 1949 with "Ain't Nobody's Business." McShann then played in obscurity until 1969, when he became popular as a singer as well as a pianist, often performing with Claude Williams. He continued recording and touring through the 1990s. Well into his 80s McShann still performed occasionally, particularly in the Kansas City area and Toronto Ontario.
Crime-fiction writer Elmore Leonard featured McShann as a character in his 2005 novel, The Hot Kid.
On December 7, 2006, McShann died at St. Luke's Hospital in Kansas City.
Once In Awhile
Jay McShann 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 lyrics of Jay McShann's song "Once In Awhile" is a haunting plea from a lover to his beloved whom he has lost. The opening line, "Once in a while will you try to give, one little thought to me," sets the tone for the melancholic nature of the song. The singer is asking his former lover to remember him, even though she may have someone else nearer to her heart. The second stanza is a wishful plea to remember the times they shared, even though they have gone their separate ways.
The chorus speaks to the power of love, that even in the quiet moments of smoldering embers, a spark may remain. The singer acknowledges that he may only have the memory of their love to hold onto, but that's enough. He is content knowing that his former lover may think of him once in a while. The song is both sad and hopeful, acknowledging the pain of losing a loved one, but also the power of love to endure.
Overall, "Once In Awhile" is a beautifully written song, with a haunting melody and poignant lyrics that speak to the universal experience of love and loss.
Line by Line Meaning
Once in a while will you try to give
Can you spare a single thought for me, every now and then?
One little thought to me
Just a simple reminder that I still exist in your mind.
Though someone else may be
Even if there is someone else who has captured your heart.
Nearer your heart?
Please tell me, am I still close to your heart?
Once in a while will you dream
Do you ever let yourself dream of the moments we once shared?
Of the moments I shared with you
The moments when we were together, before we drifted apart.
Moments before we two
Those fleeting moments we spent as a couple, before it all fell apart.
Drifted apart?
When our love grew cold and we went our separate ways.
In love's smoldering ember
Even though our love has burned out, there may still be a tiny spark left.
One spark may remain
Perhaps there is still a glimmer of hope for our love to rekindle.
If love still can remember
If our love can remember the passion we once shared.
That spark may burn again
There is a chance that our love can reignite and burn brightly once again.
I know that I'll be contented
I may not have you with me now, but I can be happy with the memories we shared.
With yesterday's memory
The past moments we had together which will always be treasured.
Knowing you think of me
If I can feel the warmth of your thoughts on a lonely night, that’s enough for me.
Once in a while
Just a few moments, once in a while.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: BUD GREEN, MICHAEL EDWARDS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind