Tom Jones – Only Once: When Love Comes Just a Single Time in Life
Tom Jones, the legendary Welsh singer known to the world as “The Tiger of Wales,” has built a career spanning more than six decades. His unmistakable voice and magnetic stage presence have captivated generations of fans. Yet beyond his lively hits like It’s Not Unusual or Sex Bomb, lies a song that carries a deeper, more haunting message – Only Once.
Released during the mature years of his career, Only Once stands apart as a heartfelt ballad. Unlike his high-energy tracks, this song reflects on loss, longing, and the painful reality that some loves may only come once in a lifetime – and when they slip away, they leave behind nothing but regret.
The meaning behind the song
At its core, Only Once is more than just a sad love song. It is a confession, a meditation from a man who has seen and felt love’s complexities. Through his raspy, soulful voice, Tom Jones carries listeners through the fleeting joy of love gained and the aching sorrow of love lost. The message is clear: true love might visit us only once, and failing to cherish it may result in a lifetime of regret.
Why Tom Jones’s voice makes the song unforgettable
The power of Only Once lies not only in its lyrics but also in Jones’s delivery. His voice, rich with emotion and experience, turns simple lines into heartfelt confessions. Many listeners feel as though he is singing directly to them, sharing his own story. His vocal strength, combined with emotional sincerity, makes Only Once a standout ballad in his expansive repertoire.
Context in his career
Throughout his career, Jones has explored numerous genres: pop, R&B, soul, gospel, even dance music. Yet ballads like Only Once showcase his ability to convey deep, raw emotion. Recorded when he was already past sixty, the song resonates with the wisdom of age – a man no longer just a fiery performer, but a reflective storyteller who understands that love may only knock once.
Why does Only Once still resonate today?
Timeless songs speak to the universal human condition, and Only Once is a prime example. Even today, the song touches listeners of all ages, because everyone carries memories of a lost love or an unforgettable moment. Through Only Once, Tom Jones reminds us that a single experience of true love can stay with us forever.
Conclusion
Only Once may not be Tom Jones’s biggest commercial hit, but it remains one of his most emotionally powerful works. It proves his artistry as a musician who can transform music into confession. Listening to Only Once feels like hearing a life lesson – a gentle yet piercing reminder that love is rare, fragile, and worth treasuring while it lasts.
When I was very young and life was new
My world was always full of dreams
Growing old was far away
Though tomorrow’s yesterday
Nothing is the way it seems
I knew that one day I would fall in love
The way young people always do
How could I know what lay ahead
Life played games with me instead
Didn’t count on meeting you
Only once, I always thought that love came only once
That when you fell, you fell in love to stay
Then all at once I realized it isn’t so
That love can come and love can go
It happens every day
She was mine
With her I found a world that wouldn’t end
Or so I thought right up until today
Now all at once
I looked across and saw you there
And suddenly I knew
Nothing I could do would make me look away
Now all at once
I looked across and saw you there
And suddenly I knew
Nothing I could do would make me look away
Now all at once
I looked across and saw you there
And suddenly I knew
Nothing I could do would make me look away