Jimmy Raney began his jazz guitar career very early with the history showing he played in the Jerry Wald band in 1944 at age 17.
In 1946 he worked for a time as guitarist with the Max Miller Quartet at Elmer's in Chicago, his first paying gig. Raney also worked in the Artie Shaw Orchestra and collaborated with Woody Herman for nine months in 1948. He also collaborated and recorded with Buddy DeFranco, Al Haig and later on with Bob Brookmeyer. In 1967 alcoholism and other professional difficulties led him to leave New York City and return to his native Louisville. He resurfaced in the 1970s and also did work with his son Doug, who is also a guitarist. Raney suffered for thirty years from Meniere's Disease, a degenerative condition that eventually led to near complete deafness in both ears. Fortunately, his playing remained unaffected. Raney died of heart failure in Louisville Ky. on May 10th of 1995, just short of his 68th birthday. An obituary in the New York Times referred to Jimmy Raney as 'one of the most gifted and influential postwar jazz guitarists in the world .
Once in a While
Jimmy Raney 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 Once in a While are a poignant expression of a person’s longing for a former love. The song captures the feeling of yearning for a past relationship that has since been lost. The first two lines set the tone for the entire song, where the singer asks his former love to think of him “once in a while” even though she might have moved on with someone else. The second verse continues the theme of reminiscing about the good times shared by the two before they parted ways. The bridge of the song expresses the hope that the spark of love that once existed between them might still be alive, and may eventually rekindle their relationship.
The song is a heartfelt and emotional plea, written by the acclaimed jazz guitarist and composer, Jimmy Raney. The composition was first recorded in 1952 by the jazz pianist, Bud Powell. Since then, it has been covered by countless artists from different genres, due to its timeless and relatable message. Once in a While has become a jazz standard and is often played at jazz clubs and festivals. The song's simplicity and beauty have stood the test of time, and it remains a beloved classic in the jazz repertoire.
Line by Line Meaning
Once in a while will you try to give
Can you spare a brief moment of thought for me sometimes?
One little thought to me
Just a small, fleeting idea or memory of me.
Though someone else may be
Even though there may be someone else closer to your heart.
Nearer your heart?
More important or beloved to you than I am?
Once in a while will you dream
Do I ever find my way into your dreams?
Of the moments I shared with you
Do you ever think back to the times we spent together?
Moments before we two
The times we were a pair, before we drifted apart.
Drifted apart?
When our paths and feelings separated and we went our own ways.
In love's smoldering ember
In the dwindling, fading remains of a lost love.
One spark may remain
There is always a chance that something, no matter how small, can reignite that old love.
If love still can remember
If that love is not entirely forgotten, even after time and distance.
That spark may burn again
It's possible for that flicker to catch and grow once more.
I know that I'll be contented
I am resigned to be satisfied with what I already have.
With yesterday's memory
The recollection of what we once had, even if it's no longer there.
Knowing you think of me
Just the knowledge that you consider me from time to time, even if it's in passing.
Once in a while
Occasionally, infrequently, but just enough to remind me.
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