Nathaniel Rateliff (born Nathaniel David Rateliff on 7 October 1978 in St. … Read Full Bio ↴Nathaniel Rateliff (born Nathaniel David Rateliff on 7 October 1978 in St. Louis, MI) is an American singer and songwriter based in Denver, whose influences are described as folk, Americana and vintage rhythm & blues. Rateliff has garnered attention with Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats, the soulful R&B combo he formed in 2013. He has also released solo albums and under the name Nathaniel Rateliff and the Wheel.

http://www.nathanielrateliff.com/

Members:
Nathaniel Rateliff
Patrick Meese
Julie Davis
Joseph Pope III
James Han

Once in a Great While
Nathaniel Rateliff Lyrics

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We could bail out either side, or take a rest
Find me in the corner with your nervous laugh
In my hesitation don't you pass
I might be the only fool who cares

But don't you feel like you're under this wave (of staggering charm?)

One was set to carry you, and never came

I was laying hungry but surprised to be
But I sure love the way that you lingered here (/linger dear?)

Once in a great while I could be (so bright? /right)
And more than I can say it just feels awfully right
(And borrowing every angle 'till it's centered in 'I'?)

Don't be so bashful
It's me in the shadows
And I'm laying, groaning
Until you find a way back to me
Until you find a way to soothe me

Well tell me, it's starlight

It's stars in your eyes
ooh...

Overall Meaning

In Nathaniel Rateliff's song "Once in a Great While," the lyrics describe a relationship between two people who may have different opinions but can still compromise with one another. The singer expresses a desire to be with the person they care about, even if it means being in a difficult situation. The line "we could bail out either side, or take a rest" suggests there may be conflict or disagreement between them, but they can work through it. The singer is waiting for their partner to approach them and not to pass them by in hesitation.

The chorus of the song, "Once in a great while I could be (so bright/ right) and more than I can say it just feels awfully right," implies that the relationship is not perfect but has moments of clarity and happiness that are worth fighting for. The singer is willing to borrow every angle to make it work and feels comforted when their partner finds a way back to them. The final lines, "Well tell me, it's starlight, it's stars in your eyes, ooh..." suggests that the singer finds their partner's presence and affection to be magical, like stars in the night sky.

Overall, "Once in a Great While" is a song that describes a relationship that is imperfect but worth fighting for. The singer is willing to compromise and work through conflicts with their partner, and cherishes the moments when things are good between them.

Line by Line Meaning

We could bail out either side, or take a rest
We have an option to support either one or have a break

Find me in the corner with your nervous laugh
When you laugh nervously, I will be in the corner

In my hesitation don't you pass
Please don't go if I hesitate

I might be the only fool who cares
I could be the only person who cares, even if it makes me look foolish

But don't you feel like you're under this wave (of staggering charm?)
Do you feel like you are under the influence of my charm?

One was set to carry you, and never came
Someone was supposed to support you, but they never showed up

I was laying hungry but surprised to be
I was hungry, but I was also surprised to see you

But I sure love the way that you lingered here (/linger dear?)
I like the fact that you are still here /Please stay

Once in a great while I could be (so bright? /right)
Occasionally, I can be my best self

And more than I can say it just feels awfully right
I feel like I can't express how good it feels

(And borrowing every angle 'till it's centered in 'I'?)
Taking different perspectives to understand myself better