Once in a Lifetime
The Rat Pack Lyrics


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Just once in a lifetime
A man knows a moment
One wonderful moment
When fate takes his hand
And this is my moment
My once in a lifetime
When I can explore a new and exciting land
For once in my lifetime
I feel like a giant
I soar like an eagle
As though I had wings
For this is my moment
My destiny calls me




And though it may be just once in my lifetime
I'm gonna do great things

Overall Meaning

The Rat Pack's Once In A Lifetime is a song about seizing an opportunity that presents itself once in a lifetime. The opening lines speak of a moment in a man's life when fate takes his hand and changes everything. The song's narrator sees himself as fortunate enough to have arrived at that moment where he can explore a new and exciting land on a journey that comes only once in his lifetime.


The lyrics in the chorus reveal the sense of empowerment that comes with this realization. The singer feels like a giant, soaring like an eagle, and ready to take on anything that comes his way. He is responding to a call from his destiny and understands that this is his chance to do great things.


Line by Line Meaning

Just once in a lifetime
A rare occurrence happens only once in life


A man knows a moment
A person experiences a significant second in time


One wonderful moment
An extraordinary instant


When fate takes his hand
Destiny leads the way


And this is my moment
I am experiencing this significant moment now


My once in a lifetime
This is my rare, special moment


When I can explore a new and exciting land
I can embark on a thrilling adventure


For once in my lifetime
At this one time in my existence


I feel like a giant
I feel enormous and powerful


I soar like an eagle
I fly high and free


As though I had wings
As if I possessed wings like a bird


My destiny calls me
Fate is summoning me forward


And though it may be just once in my lifetime
Regardless if this experience only happens once


I'm gonna do great things
I will accomplish something significant and remarkable




Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Anthony Newley, Leslie Bricusse

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@robertrothberg8678

Sammy Davis Jr.was the greatest entertainer that ever lived.

@renelaboy1517

Simply, the greatest entertainer of all time.Pure artistry on display!!

@user-lp4mg5jo3f

SO glad I was raised in this Era of entertainment. Sammy WILL ALWAYS BE THE GOLD STANDARD. RIP SIR. 😌

@timothyjcrabb190

Pure class..miss him. When America was America 🇺🇸

@willwetherell7265

A point worth repeating. The Greatest entertainer ever. ❤️

@casparillo987

What a wonderful voice, Sammy had....

@kattrakee

Epic song , made extra epic
with Sammy singing it !!!!!!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🎵🎶🎶🎶🎵🎵🎶🎵♥️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

@brianbrooks9855

Saw him in mr wonderful in New York 1957. Brilliant

@BedfordFalls7

He is a Legend. Fantastic entertainer.

@ChristianMcBrideTV

There’s so much greatness in this video, it’s hard to point it all out. First of all, Sammy. Anything Sammy does - sing, dance, act - it’s beyond comparison. But considering (I don’t believe) the orchestra used monitors back then (maybe only for the vocalist?), do you know how HARD it is to play a tempo this fast and have everyone be in perfect lockstep! Kudos to all of the musicians for having sensitivity, listening skills, and Sammy having perfect time!

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