Michae… Read Full Bio ↴Husband, Father, Artist, Songwriter, Producer, Worship Leader
Michael Ruff grew up on the East coast, then moved to Los Angeles where he lived through the hairspray and ignorance of the '80's. More well-known among artists and musicians then in the mass music marketplace. Michael stays close to his home of 20 years (Hawaii) rather than take time away from family for "career". Michael works with many of the top international and Hawai'ian artists, writing, recording and producing music.
A gifted singer and keyboardist and live performer, He has released eleven solo CDS worldwide. His worship songs are honest and have a wonderful way of bringing people into the presence of God.
He has written multi million selling songs for and with such artists as: Bonnie Raitt, Natalie Cole, India Arie, David Sanborn, Kenny Loggins, BeBe Winans, Kal David, Huey Lewis and the News, The Doobie Bros. and so many others.
Has been musical director for, produced and/or recorded with: India Arie, Chaka, Lionel Ritchie, Bonnie Raitt, Rickie Lee Jones, David Sanborn, The Winans, Andre Crouch, Crystal Lewis, Carl Anderson, Brenda Russell, Kenny Loggins, Randy Brecker, Gino Vannelli, Jose Feliciano, Right Said Fred, Nancy Wilson, Diane Schuur, Eric Burdon, John Lee Hooker, Stevie Nicks, Cyril Pahinui, Hawaiian Style Band, Amy Hanaiali'i Gilliom, Eric Gilliom and many others.
Michael is a gifted producer and engineer that will always focus on the song and artistic integrity. As a producer and songwriter,he has been associated with many Grammy Nominations, and has won and been nominated for multiple Na Hoku Hanohano awards (Hawaiian Grammys). His music is used often in Television and Movies.
A dedicated husband and father, decent surfer and volleyball player... a terrible golfer, and is not allowed near power-tools.
Once In A Lifetime
Michael Ruff Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
i will someday
for now there still is pain
all hearts will mend
mine just wont
when i cant help feeling
i'll never have the chance to say she lost
one could ever need...
chorus:
once in a lifetime baby,
once in a lifetime, thats all
once in a lifetime, maybe
once in a lifetime, thats all
leave now, goodbye
tears fall from my eyes
i know there's always pain
love's light turns off
seems now i've lost the only one that
i'll ever have the chance to say was all
one could ever need
ad lib
repeat chorus
i klnow i'll never have this chance again...
The lyrics of Michael Ruff's song Once In A Lifetime are an expression of intense grief and regret after losing someone who, to the singer, was once in a lifetime type of love. The singer acknowledges the widely held belief that time has a way of healing all wounds, but also admits that the pain is still very real and overwhelming in the present moment. This intense pain is compounded by the feeling that they'll never have the opportunity to tell the other person just how important they were, how they were everything the singer could ever want or need.
This sense of finality, of a lost chance, is echoed throughout the song, as the singer says goodbye, knowing that they'll never have that kind of love again. They feel that once in a lifetime, maybe they had the chance to experience something truly great in love, but now it is gone forever. The singer haunts their own memories, and is left unable to move on or accept what has happened. The final, desperate sentiment of the song is the realization that this chance will never come again - this love lost is lost forever.
Line by Line Meaning
time heals, they say,
People say that wounds will eventually heal with time,
i will someday
At some point in the future, I may be able to move on,
for now there still is pain
Currently, the pain is still present and difficult to ignore,
all hearts will mend
Eventually, everyone's heart will heal from past hurt,
mine just won't
However, my heart seems to be lingering in pain and struggling to heal,
when i cant help feeling
Even when I try to suppress my emotions and feelings,
i'll never have the chance to say she lost
I will never have the opportunity to express that I have lost her,
one could ever need...
She was everything and more to me,
once in a lifetime baby,
She was a once in a lifetime partner,
once in a lifetime, thats all
And that kind of love only comes around once in a lifetime,
leave now, goodbye
She is leaving now, and we must say goodbye,
tears fall from my eyes
I can't help but cry as I watch her go,
i know there's always pain
I understand that there will always be pain and suffering,
love's light turns off
As she leaves, the light of our love dims and fades away,
seems now i've lost the only one that
It appears that I have lost the only person who ever,
i'll ever have the chance to say was all
Truly meant everything to me,
one could ever need
The only one I ever needed in my life,
i know i'll never have this chance again...
I am aware that this is a once in a lifetime experience and I will never get it back again.
Contributed by Jayce A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Rachel Thomas
I was raised on this album. A very special album for myself and my siblings. We sang every song as little kids. I LOVE this album. Michael Ruff is a true musician!
Cosmic Messenger
They used to wear this whole album out on our college radio station at Norfolk State University (a great HBCU). I was shocked when I found out he wasn't black! But, it never mattered. I finally was lucky enough to see him live in Santa Monica. He beyond tore the place up!!! One of the best big club performances I've seen in my entire life! Gifted man!
Charles Miller
I have this album on vinyl. Eat your hearts out.
suprememusicmaster1975
Whaddya know? Me, too!
Charles Miller
@suprememusicmaster1975 Speaking in Melodies?
Cosmic Messenger
I think had the CD. I bought it on ebay from someone who seemed to have ripped the songs from Napster! Crazy world!
Raymoan Manley
Michael got some soul.
Jana Sorensen
So much better live. Used to hear him all the time in Studio City, CA in 1981!
suprememusicmaster1975
Thanks for the Michael Ruff upload, Justin...Another guy who is underrated is Brett Raymond...If you guys dig West Coast pop and AOR, check him out...
Joseph Bertie
Great tune.