Once in a While
Pete Rugolo Lyrics


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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

The song "Once In a While" by Pete Rugolo is a reflective and mournful tune about unrequited love. The lyrics begin with a plea for the person the singer loves to acknowledge them, even if they are not the one closest to their heart. The singer then asks the person to recall the moments they shared before drifting apart, as they hold on to the memory of those times. The song suggests that even when a relationship ends, there may be moments of doubt and regret when the two lovers wonder what might have happened if they had stayed together. The lyrics express a deep sense of longing and loss, as well as a wistful hope for what might have been.


Through the metaphor of a "love's smoldering ember," the song captures the idea that love can reignite even after it has seemed to die out. The idea of a spark burning again suggests that there is always the possibility of rekindling a lost romance. However, the singer also recognizes that sometimes memories are all that remains, and he indicates that even the thought that the person he loves still thinks of him "once in a while" is enough to bring him a small measure of comfort.


Overall, "Once In a While" is a poignant song that speaks to the deep emotions people experience when they feel disconnected from the ones they love. It suggests that even in the midst of heartbreak, there is always the hope that love can still find a way.


Line by Line Meaning

Once in a while will you try to give
Can you try to think of me every now and then


One little thought to me
Just a momentary reflection of our past together


Though someone else may be
Even though you may have moved on and found someone new


Nearer your heart?
Who holds a closer place in your heart now?


Once in a while will you dream
Would you ever allow your mind to wander and think of our past memories


Of the moments I shared with you
Remembering the good times we once had together


Moments before we two
Just before the time when we had to part ways


Drifted apart?
Because of different paths we chose to take


In love's smoldering ember
Even though our love may have faded


One spark may remain
There could be a little spark still left lingering


If love still can remember
If our love can still retain its memory


That spark may burn again
It's a possibility that our love may reignite


I know that I'll be contented
I'll be satisfied to have our past memories


With yesterday's memory
The memories of the love we once shared


Knowing you think of me
Just knowing that I cross your mind from time to time


Once in a while
Every now and then, but not always or constantly




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
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