Since releasing his debut album and receiving nation-wide exposure through itunes, Bryant has toured relentlessly throughout North America. After a successful first year, (ECMA, Music Nova Scotia and Covenant award nominations and three cross Canada tours) 2011 proved to be the first step towards a very bright future.
Described as like a watercolor painting, Bryant's music is beautiful in its melancholy, strength and character conveyed through nicely contrasting styles. His live set aims to hit spiritual and often comedic highs as well as sweet, somber lows. Bryant actively tours throughout Canada. His full length follow-up album entitled "What Takes You", was released in 2012.
Once In A While
Jon Bryant Lyrics
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And it rest on my forehead like dust on a spark
And I still see clouds in the clearest of nights
But when you settle in your the truest of northern lights
Jerusalem, I miss you now, I miss you now
And the way we danced so lost in the crowd
I'm not gonna leave you like lovers before
Don't you remember what I said that night?
I can't stand to be with you once in a while
"Take me down to the medic", you ask
And carry me close for to weave through the stacks
I can't see your pain 'til it weakens your heel
In this city so fake, your'e the sapphire so delicately real
Jerusalem, I miss you now, I miss you now
And the way we danced so lost in the crowd
So take my hand or let my heart go
I'm not gonna leave you like lovers before
Don't you remember what I said that night?
I can't stand to be with you once in a while
Once in a while, once in a while, once in a while
Once in a while, once in a while, once in a while
Once in a while
The first couple of lines of Jon Bryant's song "Once in a While" set the tone for the rest of the song. Israel has left a mark on the singer, and it's a mark that he carries with him constantly. It's always present, no matter where he is or what he's doing. The metaphor of the mark being like dust on a spark is a powerful one; it shows how something that seems so small and insignificant can have such a profound impact on someone's life. The singer goes on to talk about how he still sees clouds even on the clearest of nights, but when Israel settles in, it's like seeing the northern lights. In other words, even though it may seem like there's darkness all around, Israel brings a light that illuminates everything and makes it all worth it.
The second half of the song is more personal, as the singer talks about missing Jerusalem and the way they used to dance together. There's a sense of longing and nostalgia here, celebrating the memories of a time that's passed. The final lines of the song are particularly poignant, as the singer begs Israel to either take his hand or let him go. He's not going to be like other lovers who leave and then come back, only to leave once again. And then the singer reminds Israel of what he said to her that night, that he can't stand being with her once in a while. In other words, he needs her to be with him always or not at all.
Line by Line Meaning
Israel you've left me a mark
Israel has left a lasting impression on me
And it rest on my forehead like dust on a spark
The impression feels insignificant, but in reality it has a huge impact
And I still see clouds in the clearest of nights
Even in moments of clarity, I am still haunted by memories of Israel
But when you settle in your the truest of northern lights
In moments of peace, Israel is the most beautiful place in the world
Jerusalem, I miss you now, I miss you now
I ache for Jerusalem's presence in my life
And the way we danced so lost in the crowd
I miss the carefree moments where I felt completely free and alive
So take my hand or let my heart go
Either commit to this relationship or let me go
I'm not gonna leave you like lovers before
I don't want to make the same mistakes as previous failed relationships
Don't you remember what I said that night?
Please don't forget the promises we made to each other
I can't stand to be with you once in a while
I need consistency and a real commitment
"Take me down to the medic", you ask
You need help and I'm willing to support you
And carry me close for to weave through the stacks
I'll be by your side through thick and thin
I can't see your pain 'til it weakens your heel
I may not always see your pain, but I'll know when it becomes unbearable
In this city so fake, your'e the sapphire so delicately real
In a world of artificiality, you're a gem of authenticity
Once in a while, once in a while, once in a while
Repeating the longing for consistency and a real commitment
Once in a while, once in a while, once in a while
Repeating the longing for consistency and a real commitment
Once in a while
Reiterating the need for consistency and a real commitment
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Jon Bryant
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind