Once in a While
Nat "King" Cole Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Once in a while will you try to give
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
Drifted apart?

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

Overall Meaning

Nat "King" Cole's Once In A While is a beautifully melancholic song about a love that was once strong and is now faltering. The singer yearns for the attention and affection of their love interest, even if it's just a passing thought. They hope that the memories they shared will be enough to reignite the love that they once had with each other. The lyrics describe a deep longing for a rekindling of a love that has faded, but the singer is still content with the memories they have shared in the past.


The lyrics are emotional, and the somber melody enhances the feeling of longing and hopefulness. The words paint a picture of someone who is still in love with the person who they have lost, and they can't help but wonder if their love interest feels the same way. The phrase “Once in a while” is repeated throughout the song, emphasizing the importance of the little things that keep a relationship alive.


The song was first recorded by Tommy Dorsey in 1937. Nat King Cole's timeless rendition was later released in 1957. This hit song was written by Michael Edwards and Bud Green. It has been widely covered by various artists, including Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Bing Crosby.


Line by Line Meaning

Once in a while will you try to give
Will you make an effort once in a while to think of me?


One little thought to me
Just a small moment of reflection on our time together.


Though someone else may be
Even if there is someone else who is closer to your heart.


Nearer your heart?
Do I still occupy a tiny space in your heart, even if it's not at the very center?


Once in a while will you dream
Do you still ever think of us, dream about the moments we shared?


Of the moments I shared with you
Of those precious moments before we went our separate ways.


Moments before we two
The moments of our shared love before we both moved on.


Drifted apart?
Do you still remember when we were together before we grew distant?


In love's smoldering ember
Even though our love may be gone, there is still a faint spark.


One spark may remain
There is still a chance that something remains of our love.


If love still can remember
If our love still holds on to anything, even a tiny memory.


That spark may burn again
That love could reignite, grow strong and passionate once more.


I know that I'll be contented
Even if we don't get back together, I'll be happy just knowing that you thought of me.


With yesterday's memory
Even if our love is only a memory, I'll cherish it forever.


Knowing you think of me
Just the knowledge that I cross your mind every so often will bring me comfort.


Once in a while
Even if it's just once in a while, knowing that you haven't completely forgotten me means the world.




Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., CARLIN AMERICA INC, BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: RAY NOBLE

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Song not found

More Versions