Rob (aka Rez) composes and records using mainly Reason, Pro Tools, and Ableton. He had an early start in production after building a studio in his basement to record his highchool bands. Rob has studied classical and jazz piano, rock and jazz guitar, and jazz drums and has been in many bands (genres spanning ska, metal, pop punk, jazz, funk, and alternative), playing both guitar and drums. Rob spent a few years in college DJing at different Boston bars while double majoring in Music and Philosophy at Tufts University. Rob has many influences, but in regards to his Timeflies production, he cites Pretty Lights, Dr. Luke, Xaphoon Jones, and JR Rotem. Rob is a serious Green Lantern fan, and knows a good sandwich.
Cal is a singer/rapper and songwriter from the New York City area. He’s been singing and freestyling since he was young and remembers doing freestyles at the dinner table. He graduated Tufts University majoring in Music and Entrepreneurship. Upon joining the band The Ride in his sophomore year at Tufts, Cal fell in love with the performance side of music. This blues, funk, and hip- hop band was noted for their unique style, given their ability to transcend musical genres. Cal later teamed up with The Ride’s drummer, Rob, to form Timeflies. Cal’s musical influences include Robert Johnson, Janis Joplin, Muddy Waters, and his favorite, Big L. Cal’s biggest strength and weakness, is his love for scotch.
Once In a While
Timeflies Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
That's wishful thinkin'
Thought there'd be no pressure
That's wishful drinkin'
Is anything forever or just a feeling?
What have I been so afraid of?
I don't know
In Cali, no Khaled, but fuck, we the best
My stripes, stay American, lemme express
And I keep it as live as a total request
Then they ask me these questions
Like, how do you do it?
Press and the road and the music
Truth is, I'm always up, I'm always down
Worry about everyone else
But once in a while, I catch myself
Once in a while, I ask myself
What am I doing?
Once in a while, I need your help
But once in a while I feel like (ooh)
I just wanna dance
I feel good, I feel good
Yeah
I feel good
I feel good
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
I feel good
I live life like my blood type, B positive
These days something got me feeling quite the opposite
Music like my heroin, but all I hear is poppy shit
Time to get up off of it and watch somebody copy it
I'm West bound down and out
Feeling fake now like somebody found me out
Need to slow down, I'm brownin' out
So many thoughts, lemme drown 'em out
Yeah, I thought I would know better
That's wishful thinkin'
Thought there'd be no pressure
That's wishful drinkin'
Is anything forever or just a feeling?
What have I been so afraid of?
I don't know
But once in a while, I catch myself
Once in a while, I ask myself
What am I doing?
Once in a while, I need your help
But once in a while I feel like (ooh)
I just wanna dance
I feel good
Yeah
I feel good
Yeah
I feel good
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
I feel good (feel good)
I've been looking at where we're going
There's no slowin' down to go back
And thinking of where we've been
No one's ever been given a road map
Say slow down, turn here, graduate and work here
Come and get a raise when you finish up your first year
No, if you're doing it, you're doing it right
Keep it movin', now tell me what you're doing tonight
'Cause sometimes we're up, sometimes we're down
Don't worry about anyone else
But once in a while, I catch myself
Once in a while, I ask myself
What am I doing?
Once in a while, I need your help
But once in a while I feel like (ooh)
I just wanna dance
I feel good
Yeah
I feel good
I feel good
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
I just wanna dance and feel good
The lyrics to Timeflies’ “Once in a While” depict a relatable struggle with the pressures of everyday life. The chorus of the song, “Once in a while, I catch myself / Once in a while, I ask myself / What am I doing? / Once in a while, I need your help / But once in a while I feel like / I just wanna dance / I feel good,” reflects on moments of self-doubt and confusion, and the desire to break free from responsibilities and just have fun. The lines “I thought I would know better / That's wishful thinking / Thought there'd be no pressure / That's wishful drinking” convey the idea that life is not always as easy and carefree as we expect it to be, and that we often turn to alcohol or other substances to escape reality.
The verses of the song describe the struggles of fame and success, as well as the temptation to give in to negative thoughts and habits. The lines “Music like my heroin, but all I hear is poppy shit / Time to get up off of it and watch somebody copy it” highlight the pressure to create music that will appeal to the mainstream, rather than staying true to one’s own unique sound. The lyric “I live life like my blood type, B positive / These days something got me feeling quite the opposite” plays on the double meaning of the phrase “B positive,” which can refer both to a blood type and to a positive attitude. The juxtaposition of these two interpretations reflects the struggle to maintain a positive outlook in the face of adversity.
Line by Line Meaning
I thought I would know better
I was foolish to hope that I knew everything.
That's wishful thinkin'
It's unrealistic to believe something that is not backed by evidence.
Thought there'd be no pressure
I hoped that there wouldn't be any stress or anxiety.
That's wishful drinkin'
It's unrealistic to believe that alcohol will take away my troubles.
Is anything forever or just a feeling?
I question whether anything lasts forever or is it just a fleeting emotion.
What have I been so afraid of?
I am unsure of what I am scared of.
From Brooklyn to New York, then off to the West
I started in Brooklyn, moved to New York, and then headed West.
In Cali, no Khaled, but fuck, we the best
We may not have DJ Khaled in California but we are the best.
My stripes, stay American, lemme express
I am proud of my identity as an American and will always express it.
And I keep it as live as a total request
I keep the music as fresh and vibrant as a total request live show.
Then they ask me these questions
People often ask me questions about my life.
Like, how do you do it?
They ask me how I manage everything.
Press and the road and the music
There is a lot to manage including media, tours, and music.
Truth is, I'm always up, I'm always down
The reality is that life has its ups and downs.
Worry about everyone else
I often stress about what others think or do.
But once in a while, I catch myself
Once in a while, I realize my mistakes or ponder my actions.
What am I doing?
I question my life choices.
Once in a while, I need your help
Sometimes, I require others' assistance to guide me.
I just wanna dance
I want to let loose and have fun dancing.
I feel good
I am happy and content in this moment.
I've been looking at where we're going
I have been analyzing our future path.
There's no slowin' down to go back
There is no point in slowing down life to reflect on the past.
And thinking of where we've been
I also consider where we have been.
No one's ever been given a road map
No one is given specific directions for their lives.
Say slow down, turn here, graduate and work here
People often tell you what to do with your life.
Come and get a raise when you finish up your first year
They promise incentives to entice people to follow societal norms.
No, if you're doing it, you're doing it right
However, if you are living your life, you are doing it correctly even if it is different.
Keep it movin', now tell me what you're doing tonight
Don't dwell on the past or future, focus on the present and enjoy the night.
'Cause sometimes we're up, sometimes we're down
Life has its highs and lows.
I just wanna dance and feel good
I want to experience joy and happiness through dancing.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: STEVE MC EWAN, TOM SHAPIRO
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@itsmamind
I always like the acoustic version because they give the songs always a different feeling :)
@WesleyGStreetlove
So true 😌
@sharminmsm
yass
I love the acoustic versions of all their songs.
@khiara1424
Yeah same
@CerealScientist
This version seems a little more lighthearted and soft whereas the other makes me think "Fuck it, let's dance"
@anubhav111196
CerealScientist Exactly
@bonjouritsali
I'm in love with the acoustic version.
@itsFreeland
this pleases my ears.
@lonefirion
When I first heard this on the radio I thought it was Shawn Mendes lol.
I had to like listen to every single in his album just to look for this. Now that I've found it, I LOVE THIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIISSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS
@vinnywray1280
My wife and I have bein following them from since they have started. We chose "I choose you" at our wedding for our first dance together and along with there "I will always love you" cover. We finally got to see them Live in KCMO at Red White and Boom. They absolutely stole the show along with a timeflies tuesday KC freestyle it was an absolutely amazing show they put on. Crossed seeing them live off my bucket list although it won't be the last time I see them