Meaning of "Once in a While" by Neil Diamond

The lyrics of "Once in a While" convey a sense of longing and nostalgia for a past love that has since faded away. The speaker recalls a time when they were happy and in love with someone, reminiscing about the warmth and freedom of those moments. However, as time passed, they grew apart and found themselves in different places, physically and emotionally. The repetition of "Once in a while" highlights how these memories resurface sporadically, showing that the presence of this lost love still lingers in the speaker's mind. Despite the distance between them, the speaker still holds onto the memories of their past relationship, reflecting on what once was and what could have been. The wistful tone of the lyrics captures the bittersweet feeling of remembering a love that is no longer there, yet still holds a special place in the speaker's heart.