Hodges was apparently aware of this effect, leaving the Ellington orchestra in the 1950's, to be replaced by the stellar alto man, Willie Smith, formerly the lead alto star of the Jimmy Lunceford Orchestra. This situation somehow benefitted neither Ellington or Hodges, with the Ellington orchestra losing a certain luster despite Mr. Smith's excellence, and with major stardom just beyond Mr. Hodges' reach.
Luckily for the listener the recordings Mr. Hodges left behind as a leader, while arguably eluding stardom for the artist at the time, are nonpareil examples of relaxed swing, subtle inflection and perfect phrasing, peerless tone and seemingly effortless technique. More luck for the listener, Mr. Hodges later rejoined the Ellington fold, returning a signature sound to the orchestra's unique palette for many years after.
It has been reported that the Ellington orchestra worked nearly 365 days a year. When asked about this grueling schedule Mr. Ellington said something to the effect that he would settle for nothing less than the finest artists for his orchestra. What with the necessarily high salaries accorded an orchestra of virtuosos, the band had to work often in order to survive. Certainly no one in the Ellington orchestra more exemplified Mr. Ellington's highest standards than Johhny Hodges.
Once In A While
Johnny Hodges Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
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 Johnny Hartman’s “Once In A While” convey a sense of longing and wistfulness, as the singer requests that his former lover occasionally think of him - albeit just once in a while. The opening lines of the song involve a simple request for recognition, asking if she would pause to consider him, even if her thoughts are currently directed towards someone else. However, the second verse is more melancholic, touching on the past and on memories that they once shared, but which have now slipped away. In the bridge, the singer muses upon the possibility of rekindling their love, comparing their extinguished feelings to “love's smoldering ember[s]” that might ignite again.
Overall, the song speaks to the universal human experience of lost love, and the bittersweet nature of memories that persist long after a relationship has ended. Moreover, it touches upon the idea of second chances, with the possibility of a renewed romance hinging on one fleeting thought or moment of remembrance.
Line by Line Meaning
Once in a while will you try to give
On occasion, will you make an effort to consider me in your thoughts?
One little thought to me
Just a small remembrance of me in your mind?
Though someone else may be
Even though you may currently have feelings for someone else?
Nearer your heart?
Someone who is closer to your heart than I am?
Once in a while will you dream
Occasionally, will you dream of the times we shared?
Of the moments I shared with you
Those moments we spent together in the past?
Moments before we two
Those brief instances before we drifted apart?
Drifted apart?
When we became separated and our bond faded?
In love's smoldering ember
When love has dwindled but still burns deep within us?
One spark may remain
Even one small spark of passion could remain?
If love still can remember
If our love can hold on to that feeling?
That spark may burn again
That passion may ignite once more?
I know that I'll be contented
I'll be satisfied and at peace even if this is all I have?
With yesterday's memory
With memories of our past together?
Knowing you think of me
Being sure that I occasionally cross your mind?
Once in a while
At times, sporadically throughout the future
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