Once In A While
The Kelly Family
A Fleeting Connection: The Longing in 'Once In A While'
The Kelly Family's song 'Once In A While' captures the bittersweet essence of fleeting connections and the longing that accompanies them. The lyrics paint a picture of someone who occasionally sees a significant other, and each encounter brings a sense of euphoria, likened to 'flying over the clouds.' This metaphor suggests a feeling of weightlessness and joy, highlighting the emotional high that comes with these rare moments of connection.
The song delves into the protagonist's desire to do something meaningful for the other person, whether it's fixing a broken shoe or helping them find a clue to solve a problem. These small, yet significant gestures symbolize the protagonist's deep care and willingness to support the other person, despite the limited time they have together. The repeated line 'I don't wanna hide' emphasizes a yearning for openness and honesty in the relationship, even though the encounters are brief and sporadic.
A poignant moment in the song is when the protagonist attempts to buy flowers, only to find the shops closed. This symbolizes missed opportunities and the frustration of not being able to express their feelings fully. However, the sight of the other person's smile brings back the sense of joy and makes the protagonist feel like 'flying over the clouds' once again. The song concludes with a sense of inevitability, acknowledging that the other person will leave soon, but the memories and emotions will linger. The repeated question 'Why will it take so long until I can see you again?' underscores the pain of separation and the hope for future reunions, even if it's just a dream.