Once in a While
The Chimes Lyrics

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

Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing, BMG Rights Management
Written by: BUD GREEN, MICHAEL EDWARDS

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

To comment on specific lyrics, highlight them

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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

Kuang Ting Tsai

4y↑12

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

All comments from YouTube:

rowdyrx

2y↑48

78 years young. Music of my youth and still the greatest music ever. We all slow danced and experienced “happy days”. Ladies choice!

Christian Nauwelaers

9w↑2

@steve stone How right you are !

steve stone

9w↑2

It's too bad most of the younger people won't appreciate how nice it was to dance to this song no matter what or who they dance with.

Jedkrivisky

18w

Ok. But have you heard Vengaboys?

Christian Nauwelaers

19w↑4

I'm a guy who happens to LOVE that stuff like crazy too !

Pamela Jordan

20w↑3

70 the music 🎵❤️. And the cars don't forget how we loved our car's

1 More Replies...

James Somers

2y↑57

Sometimes I sit at night and wonder what the hell happened. This music sends you back to a place and time that was great.

Christian Nauwelaers

19w

Nothing will ever beat that incredibly fabulous era !

Harry S. Anchan

38w↑3

Me too, bro. Me too, with tears in my eyes.

Fortress Fighter

42w↑1

music now is bad same 3 chords and is all the same song.

James Somers

42w↑1

Amen Tom

TOM RUGGIERO

42w↑1

HOPE WE GO BACK TO THAH PLACE. GOD

Scott Burton

3y↑29

One of the greatest doo wop songs ever recorded!

Larry Bayard

2y↑1

Scott Burton had all the models also “Revell Rules”. That’s where all my paper route money went. There and the 25 cent hot rod mags. Did you ever lower one with a hot butter knife? And then try to get the plastic off before your mom saw it? Lol. Good days

M Chapman

27w↑12

I’m 73, my husband and I still slow dance to this wonderful tune. Great memories. I still get goosebumps. My boyfriend had a 1961 Chevy Impala convertible, gold. Cool car.

Mike Turner

4y↑19

The best version of this song I've heard. Sang with the passion befitting of a classic! Great harmonies!

sgtcook1

6y↑353

A fabulous song. They don't make music like this anymore.

Anita Fuentez

27w↑1

@Rick rick you're an irony

Rick rick

28w

@Anita Fuentez This is America. It's a free country. If you don't like America go somewhere else

Anita Fuentez

28w↑1

@Rick rick good at lies and hate, get off the platform go else where

Ron LHeureux

3y↑3

@Ian Friedman Hey, Ian, grow up.

8 More Replies...

Juanita McFadin

2y↑8

Beautiful music from a very talented group of singers . Really enjoyable to listen to this kind of music.

GereDJ

4y↑20

The Chimes are a classic Doo-Wop quintet from Brooklyn, New York. "Once in Awhile" reached #11 on The Billboard Top 40 Chart on 1/16/1961. My compliments on the 1961 cars you show. They are as nostalgic as the The Chimes song itself, if not more so. That 1961 Tempest really stopped me because it was a car my dad bought new in 1961, when I was 15 and he actually let me drive it: 4 cylinder, 4 speed, 4 door, , IRS and Positraction, first American trans-axle car (with transmission in the rear as part of the differential) with near 50/50 weight distribution. Fast too! loved that car. I remember the first time I had a girl next to me in it. Perfume and pink Angora sweater. I felt pretty important.

Harry S. Anchan

20w

Fabulous memories, eh?

Paul Pennisi

5y↑10

These songs bring back memories of warm summer nights in the Bronx and singing on the corner with my friends. How quickly the days of youth pass but the memories last a lifetime.

Carl Hursh

2y↑23

BEST MUSIC EVER. Nothing today can hold a candle to ‘great” music!

Ron LHeureux

3y↑76

I still get emotional hearing this song some 58 years later. It touches a nerve for me and I'm sure, many of you. (I have had it on my music app for many years).

Ron LHeureux

2y↑3

@TheIrishrogue68 Absolutely, my friend. We never do completely forget them.

manuel muñoz

eso se trae en la sangre amigo saludos

TheIrishrogue68

2y↑3

Ron LHeureux Most everyone has someone who used to be in their life long ago ... whom they think of once in awhile.

Richard Elliott

3y↑6

Would love to go back and relive just one high school dance in 1961. I still close my eyes to this song and remember slow dancing with my favorite partner. Great memories!

Creole Lady

2y↑8

What a beautiful love song, we have to keep this music alive and never lose it.💖💖💖💖💖

Margery Feit

3y↑149

You just know it’s an “oldie” when you’re singing along and remember every word. Life’s good!

Storminnorman

45w

OK Boomer. lol

poopaloshes

2y↑7

im only 14 years old and im singing along to this right now!!

Suzanne Adivari

2y↑10

Isn't it amazing how it could be 60 years ago and you can still remember. every word even if you. haven't heard it in that long....

Diane Melfi

3y↑11

Ain’t that the truth 👍

YellowstoneBound1948

5y↑74

This was a vastly underrated song from the Do Wop Revival that we enjoyed from 1961 to 1963. It has held up very well, I think. After some 55 years of practice, I can now sing the bass part.

David Sandler

3y↑1

You're right, underrated at the time and today one of the best.

Rolando E. Díaz Olivo, M.D.

4y↑13

Doo Wop was such a pure, and, at the same time, eclectic, music genre - unlike any other.

Whether they be soft, romantic, lively, or even suggestive, there is something so compelling about their lyrics and harmonies, and about the mood they evoke, that you fall in love with these doo wop songs the minute you listen at them. There is a composite of angst, hope and naivete underlying them all, that transcends the here and now, in ways that are hard to explain. I guess that is why they keep resonating in our hearts/minds for years on end.

Daniel Cook

3y↑51

What a wonderful time to grow up! I'll be 75 next month but I am transformed back to that most wonderful time when I hear these songs! Wish i could relive them!

Harry S. Anchan

38w

I wish H.G. Wells would hurry up with his Time Machine. I hate what I see and hear today.

Cate S

44w↑1

I know what you mean, Dan. I forgot how beautiful this song is. Hope you're well.

Barbara Barone

45w

That makes both of us

Annette Arena

Count me in! Lyrics made sense then. I’m 71. Music was great until disco. Went to hell then.

Annette Arena

1y↑1

I find myself just bursting out in some of these oldies. No particular reason. They just come to mind.

2 More Replies...

Diana McFarland

3y↑11

GREAT DOO WOP! JUST REMEMBER DOO WOP LIVES ON FOREVER!

Christian Nauwelaers

19w

YESSIREE !!!

Karel Barry

3y↑69

Thank you for this timeless masterpiece. If only we could have music like this today.

Shannon Lee

@Back in Iowa Swab What needs to be done to help?

Olivia Bernal

Thank you so much

Don Rodgers

21w↑2

Just listen to these great sounds ! I wish todays music was half as great as this sound from a different era. Go Doo Wop !!!!!

Benny Cardone

5y↑12

It’s funny,I was 10 when this song came out and I still can remember my mom(R.I.P.) listening to it ! I am so Blessed to have been raised on this music!❤️

Christian Nauwelaers

19w

How I do envy you !

nilseo

4y↑10

Actually, this is technically a cover version of the song, which dates back to 1937. Tommy Dorsey made the first recording, and it has been covered by many artists over the years. This doo-wop recording by The Chimes is arguably the best-known, and is most people's favorite version of the song.

NJ C

nilseo1 The Tommy Dorsey version is the first I heard. One of my favorites, but this version by the Chimes is amazing as well.

Joseph Patrick

4y↑8

Best slow dance recording ever !!! Hope these guys are well, wherever they are.

poopaloshes

2y↑26

im only 14 years old but I prefer to listen to oldies there is just such a satisfying sound I love them ❤️

Harry S. Anchan

20w↑1

Look, what I did I tell you? There are some in these new generations with good taste!

Annette Arena

1y↑1

It’s the great harmonies!

Mary Mary

3y↑2

Maravillosa interpretación,que bonito se siente escuchar.😊🌹mm🌿

rmick66

3y↑4

Kudos for showing all those 1961 model year vehicles. That year featured some of the best automotive styling across the board.

Glennsten Bergkvist

2y↑3

Originating from 1937, this song has lived through many wonderful interpretations. This is just one more, actually one of the finest!

Joshua r

3y↑1

Gotta love this. It's literally a musical representation of the 50's passing the torch to a new era. Sadly it is a sound that quickly died off. Personally I love the 60s beach music undertone mixed with a classical 50s rock and doo wop coat. This song is an original genre infusion.

Keith Doyle

2y↑2

Once In a While The Chimes fab song great harmonising takes me back love to sing along to it Doo Wop a great era 🎤👍

Jack Allen

7y↑2

Great song,super lyrics.They don't make them like they used to.Nothing greater than having your loved one in your arms on the dance floor.Super stuff!!

MrViejo67

8y↑142

Superior Rock & Roll Doo Wop !!!. The Chimes were Masters of song in their own time !!.The Doo Wop era was extraordinarily unique !!!.
Thank You Shannon for Sharing !!

Jim Porter

4y↑3

+Milton Moore, you're wrong. What we call Doo-wop today WAS Rock 'n' Roll back then. If you'll search the YouTube Doo-Wop videos, you will find Doo-Wop and groups introduced as Rock 'n' Roll acts. Little Anthony Gourdine used to start his act with soft ballads, then he would call out, "Are you ready to ROCK AND ROLL?" Then he would sing a mixed tempo set with ballads such as this and faster songs, for example, Shimmy Shimmy Ko Ko Bop. If you watch old 1950s movies, you will hear Doo-Wop songs introduced as Rock 'n' Roll. Rock 'n' Roll also developed from Rockabilly. Both types of Rock 'n' Roll were included in Alan Freed's and other Rock 'n' Roll shows back then.

Milton Moore

4y↑1

This is NOT a rock &
roll song. It is. pleasant pop ballad that is the ANTITHESIS of harsh
rock songs.

paul hulgan

Great group

Shannon Lee

8y↑5

You are very welcome, glad you like the video! :)

Mark Brown

5y↑4

This one takes be back to a time when we were inundated with great songs, lyrics and performance, likening the forties and twenties. I'm lucky to have started in the mid forties and listened to them all. Having a W. L.A. position, I've been in the mix of "Memories of El Monte" to the Beach Boys and caught soul with East Coast sounds. We have a long history of East L.A. music that stands alone in music history.

Taka Yama

4y↑14

I was 12 when this song came out. Real music up until about the 1970s, been almost all downhill since then.

Chuck Pestacchi

2y↑1

Great, Iconic Classic sound, this is real art of music. Got to love the Chimes

Linda Easley

3y↑6

A lot of early 60s doo wop groups + the Lettermen did cover versions of 1930s and 40s standards and they did them very nicely 👍
This version of Once In Awhile is my favorite

joyce carter

5y↑4

I heard this years ago and still love it

Harry S. Anchan

38w↑2

The visuals are as awesome as the song!! LOOOOOVE those cars! It brings tears to my eyes to compare recent times - 9/11, COVID, Ukraine, etc. to those magical days. Where exactly did the world go terribly wrong, considering we WERE on the right path?

Angel Gonzales

2y↑1

This is the greatest music, love it so much, so many wonderful memories!!!!

Tommiegirl

5y↑4

Faaaaaantastic! I know, it's a remake, but this is the first version I ever heard, and I remember dancing to it with my first love. He tried to teach me, heaven knows, but he wasn't a good dancer and neither was I - and so as it turned out, we went together perfectly. Thanks for giving it the old college try, Dad. We've still got no rhythm and it's all right. lol

spiritualluvr

3y↑8

IF I HAD A TIME MACHINE, I WOULD GO BACK TO THIS TIME! LOVE THIS SONG THANKS SO MUCH.

Amiee Lopez

Me too I'd go back to those times when I was so young and carefree

Richard Elliott

3y↑1

Agreed!

Donald Ponder

4y↑1

OMG what a gorgeous song! I remember it so well... & I know everyone here is very deeply moved!

Betty Joyce

4y↑18

and I am back in the day when music was so wonderful that you knew every word just as I am singing with the Chimes now. Thank you for posting this.

John Matos

One of my favorite songs ..comes to mind often,.... takes me back to my childhood...wonderful time it was.. great lyrics.

Nancy Green

4y↑8

This song reminds me of a moment in time when I was a young teen and my mom said " You know this is an old song " as this song played on the radio. My mom always told me if they remade a song from her era. And yes, Mom , I think of you , and especially when I hear that song. I miss you .

Veronica Merchant

My mom, I miss you, mom. This is one of her favorite songs. I memorized the lyrics because she sings this all the time when we were kids. It is stuck with me now that I am in my sixties. It calms me and my heart is like drenched in wine now that I understand it more of what the song is all about. But that child who used to hear this from mom comes back too, and the memory of my mom. I get transformed into a place that is soooo soothing, peaceful, and magical!
This is my feel-good music.

Claudette Preisinger

7y↑32

Great nostalgic video to go with this beautiful song. I especially love the classic cars. Thanks for the upload :)

Mary Amico

Claudette Preisinger a

Robert Smith

6y↑168

It doesn't get any better than this.

mholub

6y↑2

Lennon Sisters did this too. I love both renditions!! Such beautiful lyrics. Really a classic. Too bad the younger generation missed out on what my generation (baby boomers) experienced!!!

Theresa Chiorazzi

2y↑3

This song is a classic it will be around forever nice display of cars

Josefina Olivares Jara

15w

Hermosa y romantica cancion.Desde que la "descubri "la escucho mucho.

Jasper Gem

3y↑4

The rides, the tunes, this vid, love it!

Alex Alessandrini

3y↑1

Thank you Nilseo for your comment on when this song first came out. I remember my Mom singing this song way before 1961, maybe like 1949 or 50. It has stayed with me all these years. What a great melody and lyrics.

Carolmarie Saponaro-Weber

I was 15 years old when I first heard this song! I will never forget these oldies, they are the best!!

Robyn

Harmony is incredible....this song sends chills down my spine

Marshmallow

6y↑1

The music from this era is the best, the melody, words are easy to hear an understand and enjoy. No extra noise, synthesizing, screaming and yelling. Just clean lyrics and voices.

Anita Brown

4y↑2

Fantastic song, yes lots of memories.

fasx56

4y↑1

I had not heard of the Chimes until I heard a Dick Clark music hour recently. I heard many Doo Wop songs over the years starting in the late 1950s but had not heard this one. Glad you up loaded this song for all to hear, they harmonize beautifully.

Theresa Chiorazzi

2y↑2

A beautiful classic song it can never die

John B

2y↑4

I am 62 and this is my type of my music. Great harmony!

Annie Carriero

15w↑1

Love this song! I was 2 yrs old when it came out. 🎼

Dora Mendez

5y↑3

loving all these tunes takes me back on my high school days

Dawn Howton

4y↑7

First time I’ve heard this. Thought I knew so much about do wop. But there’s a leafs more to find.
Great track!

Kathy Hurry

I woke up this morning with this song going through my head. 😍

Rusty Calvera

2y↑1

nicely done - the music, cars and movie posters ties the romance together nicely....thanks for posting

Donald Ponder

4y↑5

I want to cry now, hearing this immortal song full of feeling & sincerity!

Ruby Page

Beautiful!!!! I love the harmony! Thank you!

Mary Oliver

4y↑7

Thanks for sharing this terrific piece of music history and the pix of the classic cars. Wonderful.

tmacphd

3y↑1

First heard this song when 18 and in the Navy sailing the South China seas, while my girl had moved on to my good friend. Still breaks my heart!

Ozmulki

8y↑7

lovely doo-wop version of this great old song

Fiore MD

6w↑1

The late 50s, early 60s were the greatest. Lyrics actually made you fall in LOVE. 💝💯💝

Royal Emery

3y↑1

I personally am not from this generation but appreciate it very much. Great song, great music, great cars, great era in the U.S.

Rick Ball

6y↑1

RIP Lenny your music & sound is your legacy, sir! They did this song on PBS's special a few years back, sounded not too different, Lenny 1 of a kind!

Mary Mary

Que belleza de música,hace que sintamos estar en él cielo por un momento,gracias.🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹

Mary Segatti

Beautiful music back then brings back so many memories and the fun we had. Life was normal back then.

Bill Bennett

2y↑3

Love this mark in time,,so well done fits this day in time.

Cynthia's Channel

8y↑138

Bought this record new in 1961.....Such an amazing song.........

Eric Schminke

@Shannon Lee (And many others): This CLASSIC, "Once In Awhile" by The Chimes, is one of many songs I've listened to repeatedly. It truly has, among many traits, a calming effect.

Vonwitzy's Channel

It fits you Cynthia

Cynthia's Channel

@William Sowders Yes in the 60's records was so much cheaper than today..We had record stores on many corners back then...

Vonwitzy's Channel

Cynthia's Channel ,
I Love it.

Ron Roberts

I was still in high school in 1961. Now Jan. 2019.

16 More Replies...

Ben Gone

6y↑52

This was the smoothest slow dance. Always found someone to dance with. It was always special moment.

Andi

1y↑1

Perfect song for my 16th year. I loved it then and now.

Judith Nipps

3y↑2

A great classic group and their songs from the '60's

Carole Ann Davis

4y↑1

Love this song!!!!

DrKant70

4y↑1

Gracias por esta cancion, la escuche por azar en una estacion americana que capturo mi radio aca en Monterrey. La escuche solo una vez en 1990, hasta hoy Septiembre 1 del 2018 en que volvimos a encontrarnos.

terri urso

4y↑2

Memories, gives me goose bumps!

CindyDaRealDealRdzRamos

4y↑6

24 Carat Tune!!!! Such gorgeous ballad...Wish I could of been born in those wonderful wonder years

bambispoco

2y↑2

I really love this, the song is great quality and I love the car photos. I'm sure half of the hits are mine.

Joseph Gossey

A great song! I was 8 when this came out..Never heard it till years later.

Fran Challandes

2y↑78

I’m 73 and everyone of these songs bring me back and all those cars were so call back when we were kids they don’t make them like that anymore

Carl Loud

2y↑4

I'm 71 and I'm with ya on that!

Harold Fisher

4y↑12

Doo Wop at its finest, I remember cruising Atlantic Ave. at Va Beach in my 62 Vette top down and radio blasting to WGH playing this song

dennis brown

3y↑1

We all have shuch great memories from this background of music . What memories will today's kids have of all the crap they call music now?

ParkerPlaza

I was just a kid but this is all we listened to and it sure brings back nice memories growing up, riding my bike, and fishing off the bay wall or the bridge.....

truth hurts

3y↑1

Thanks YouTube ! for keeping this great music alive !

Felicia Szczepanski

3y↑1

LOVE THIS MUSIC! and THE CARS! ❤️❤️❤️ Thank You for posting!

Len Nassi

2y↑1

I remember listening to Lenny and the Chimes singing acapella in Seth Low Park, Brooklyn in1960 before they had a hit record. Memories.

TK ML

3y↑7

This is the Real Music!

jun 24Juan Huerta

4y↑1

Why can't we have songs with beautiful lyrics like back in the 50s & 60s?

Kuang Ting Tsai

4y↑12

tomshiba51

1y↑1

Calming and soothing sound form an era well missed.

Ralph Santacroce

Nowadays romance love and that which is beautiful has become uncool !

Brenda Hester

Just great memories. Love this music

Ernest Contreras

I was only 14 when this song was out, oh the memories are still fresh.

Darryl Evans

4y↑1

What a great doowoop record from the Chimes

bill prince

A wonderful moment of what once was. Thanks for the memories.

Donald Ponder

OMG, what a great song...brings it all back!!!

vic caras

3y↑1

this is the kind of song that my Shirley & I always danced to....what a great song!!

Sands of time

4y↑1

Song really touches my Heart.

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