The group consisted of Eugenia (Jean), Virginia, and Lucille (Lou) Dinning. These sisters were born in Caldwell, Kansas and raised in Oklahoma. They first gained exposure on the NBC Radio show "Barn Dance". In 1943 the group was signed by Capitol Records to be that label's answer to The Andrews Sisters who recorded esclusively for Decca Records. The Dinnings sounded somewhat similar to The Andrews Sisters, but never really captured the musical energy & blinding rhythmic drive of Patty, Maxene, and LaVerne, nor the incredible success. Lucille (Lou) Dinning once said, "Let's face it, The Andrews Sisters were way ahead of us. We tried out darndest to be as commercial as they were, but weren't flashy enough. We were all kind of shy. We came from a farm in Oklahoma. We never took dancing lessons or anything." The Dinnings sounded much like The Andrews Sisters in fast-paced recordings like the boogie-woogie influenced "Pig Foot Pete," as well as "Down in the Diving Bell," "The Hawaiian War Chant," and "They Chopped Down the Apple Tree," an "answer" song (or sequel, if you will), which was cleverly composed and ably sung but much less successful than its originator "Don't Sit Under the Apple Tree (With Anyone Else but Me)," popularized by The Andrews Sisters in 1942 & arguably one of the biggest hits of World War II. The Dinning sound could also be compared, especially in slower ballads, to the soft blend of The Lennon Sisters, who would appear on the scene in the 1950s on The Lawrence Welk Show.
The Dinning Sisters charted 4 hits during the 1940s, including two top-10s. The group received further exposure from their appearances in the movies Texas Jamboree and Throw a Saddle on the Star.
Once In A While
The Dinning Sisters Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
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
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
The song "Once In A While" by The Dinning Sisters is a bittersweet plea to a former lover to remember the moments they shared together, even if they have moved on to someone else. The opening lines express the singer's vulnerability and longing for just a small token of affection from the person she still holds dear. The chorus speaks to the power of memory, suggesting that even if the love between them has cooled, the embers still hold the potential for rekindling. The final verse conveys a sense of resignation, accepting that the past cannot be changed but finding solace in the knowledge that the person she loves still thinks of her occasionally.
The lyrics of this song are beautifully crafted and have a timeless quality that speaks to anyone who has loved and lost. The melody is simple yet haunting, conveying the melancholy mood of the lyrics. The vocals of The Dinning Sisters are exquisite, with a delicate harmony that perfectly captures the emotional depth of the song.
Line by Line Meaning
Once in a while will you try to give
Will you, on occasion, make an effort to devote your attention or consideration towards me?
One little thought to me
Even if it's just a small amount of consideration or thought directed towards me.
Though someone else may be
Despite the fact that another person might be closer to your heart or more important than me.
Nearer your heart?
In closer proximity to your emotional center or more important to you.
Once in a while will you dream
Do you ever have moments where you imagine or fantasize about the times we spent together?
Of the moments I shared with you
Reflecting on the times we spent together, and the memories we created.
Moments before we two
Reminiscing on the times before we drifted apart or separated from one another.
Drifted apart?
When we were once closer or intimate, but grew distant and separated from one another.
In love's smoldering ember
Within the remaining fragments or memories of our past love.
One spark may remain
A faint glimmer of our past love might still exist.
If love still can remember
If the emotions and memories associated with our past love still remain.
That spark may burn again
It's possible for the remaining embers of love to reignite and grow stronger again.
I know that I'll be contented
Even if our love can't reignite, I will find happiness in the memories we shared together.
With yesterday's memory
With our past love being nothing more than memories of the past.
Knowing you think of me
Simply being aware that you occasionally think of me and our past love.
Once in a while
Every so often, occasionally.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: BUD GREEN, MICHAEL EDWARDS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
misspeachezmeowz
I love this haunting version of a classic! Thank you ever so much for posting it here for me to listen to over and over again!! I sure do wish I could have lived during this era in time...
Meredith Foster
I've only just discovered these ladies, they're fantastic and such a lovely rendition of this song.
David Garnes
Their sound is particularly lovely on this song...their voices blend beautifully, as only "sister groups" do
albionplace
Stunning harmonies. Just perfect.
felixbautista
Relaxing and soft reflection being made on this great oldie - am grateful to you for uploading it. Registering 41 points for your work.
Rimskey1
In 1987, my college roommate and I went to her parent's farm and in the barn we found this old record player with the vinyls (70rpm?) that belong to her parents. They had a Dinning Sisters record, and I heard this song there for the first time and fell in love with them and music from that era. As life went by, I forgot all about the music, and by chance, I found it here. I have listen to it more times than I can count. Thank you for posting this song here.
Ozmulki
Beautifully done...a beautiful song!
misspeachezmeowz
I come back to listen to this so many times...enchanting, no other words can describe it...
Patrick Desmond
Absolutely delightful. A great era for wonderful music. I truly pity those poor souls who know nothing of this music and who listen to (c)rap thinking that is all there is.
Corrie121
I am transported back to the time when I was a 14 years old boy. I love this recording, which I remember so well from this time. Thank you so much for sharing.