Once in a While
Ron Carter and Houston Person 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" is a melancholic love song that is dedicated to a former lover who has long drifted away from the persona in the song's life. The persona in the song sings of their undying love and desires for their former lover to at least, once in a while, give a little thought to them, even if someone else may be nearer to their heart.

The persona in the song sings of how they would appreciate it if their former lover dreams of the moments they shared together; moments before they drifted apart. The song taps into the once-happy memories that the persona shared with their lover and their desires for a rekindling of that love. It highlights the hope that there's a possibility for a spark to remain from the smolders of the love they once shared, and that flame can reignite.

The song is an example of how even though the love shared may be gone, the memories and hopes of a reunion can linger. It is a song about holding onto the past and hoping that the future can bring that past love back.

Line by Line Meaning

Once in a while will you try to give
Can you sometimes try to spare a thought for me?

One little thought to me
Even one small memory of me would be appreciated

Though someone else may be
Even if you have someone else on your mind

Nearer your heart?
Who is closer to your heart than me?

Once in a while will you dream
Sometimes, can you let yourself dream of our past?

Of the moments I shared with you
Of the moments we once shared together

Moments before we two
Moments before we drifted apart

Drifted apart?
Can you think back to when we were together, before we grew distant?

In love's smoldering ember
Sometimes, love still lingers

One spark may remain
A small flicker of love may still exist

If love still can remember
If our love can still recall