Once in a While
The Warne Marsh Quartet 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 Warne Marsh Quartet's song "Once in a While" is a wistful ballad about longing for a lost love. The lyrics suggest a plea from the singer for his former lover to remember him at least occasionally, despite the fact that she may have moved on with someone else. The first verse finds the singer asking for just a single thought from his past lover, as she may be closer to someone else's heart. In the second verse, he asks if she ever dreams about their past moments together before they had drifted apart, hoping that his memory still lingers with her.

The chorus of "Once in a While" speaks to the possibility of reigniting their love, even if only a small spark remains. The singer acknowledges that he may never be with his lost love again but seeks solace in knowing that she might still think of him from time to time, as he is contented with yesterday's memory. The song captures the bittersweet emotions of lost love, longing, and the hope that maybe, just maybe, there's still a chance for rekindling what has been lost.

Line by Line Meaning

Once in a while will you try to give
Would you make an effort, an attempt once in a while

One little thought to me
To just spare a single thought for me?

Though someone else may be
Even if there might be somebody else

Nearer your heart?
Who is closer to your heart?

Once in a while will you dream
Will you dream every so often

Of the moments I shared with you
About the moments when you and I shared our lives

Moments before we two
Moments before you and I

Drifted apart?
Drifted apart from each other?

In love's smoldering ember
When love fades to a flicker

One spark may remain
A possibility of one spark left

If love still can remember
If love still exists