About the song
The Righteous Brothers’ “Just Once in My Life” is a standout ballad that showcases the duo’s exceptional vocal prowess and emotional depth. Released in 1965, this song is a beautiful example of the soulful and heartfelt music that made The Righteous Brothers one of the most beloved acts of the 1960s.
The song was written by the renowned songwriting team of Gerry Goffin and Carole King, known for their exceptional contributions to the pop and rock music landscape. Their composition for “Just Once in My Life” combines heartfelt lyrics with a compelling melody, creating a piece that resonates deeply with listeners. The song’s lyrics express a profound longing for a singular, meaningful experience in life, conveyed through the duo’s poignant delivery.
“Just Once in My Life” was featured on The Righteous Brothers’ album of the same name, which showcases their range and emotional intensity. The album is notable for its rich, soulful tracks and highlights the distinctive sound of The Righteous Brothers, marked by their powerful vocal performances and expressive musical arrangements.
Upon its release, “Just Once in My Life” achieved significant success. The single reached number 15 on the Billboard Hot 100, marking it as one of the notable hits from The Righteous Brothers during that period. The song’s chart performance underscored the duo’s ability to capture and convey complex emotions through their music, solidifying their reputation as one of the premier vocal acts of the era.
The track’s enduring appeal lies in its emotional depth and the impressive vocal execution by Medley and Hatfield. Their ability to bring a sense of sincerity and heartfelt emotion to the song continues to resonate with audiences, making “Just Once in My Life” a memorable and cherished piece of The Righteous Brothers’ legacy.
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Lyrics
There’s alot of things I want, a lot of things that I’d like to be.
But girl, I don’t forsee a rags-to-riches story for me.
There’s just one little dream I’ve got to come true;
There’s just one round I’ve gotta win,
I can’t be a loser with you.
Baby, baby, Once In My Life, let me get what I want,
Girl, don’t let me down! Just Once In My Life,
let me hold on to one good thing I found!
Don’t let me down! Baby, say that you’ll be stayin’,
Cause I couldn’t face a day if you weren’t here by my side.
If you went away then I’d be left without any pride.
I’ve given up on schemes, ‘Cause all of them fell through,
I’ve given up so many things, Don’t ask me to give up on you.
Baby, baby, Once In My Life, let me get what I want,
Girl, don’t let me down! Just Once In My Life,
let me hold on to one good thing I found!
Don’t let me down! Baby, say that you’ll be stayin’,
That old pot of gold ain’t so easy to find,
But if you stand by me, I’ll keep my peace of mind.
I can’t give you the world, But I I’ll work hard for you, girl.
I’ll work hard, ev’ryday, all my life.
So baby, please don’t leave me, just do this for me.
Once In My Life, let me get what I want,
Girl, don’t let me down! Just Once In My Life,
let me hold on to one good thing I found!
Don’t let me down! Baby, say that you’ll be stayin’.