About the song
“Once More with Feeling” by Kris Kristofferson is a powerful and emotionally charged ballad that delves into the complexities of love, regret, and the yearning for redemption in relationships. Released in 1970 on the album Kristofferson, this track showcases the singer-songwriter’s exceptional ability to craft songs that capture raw human emotions with a simplicity and directness that resonates deeply with listeners. The song reflects Kristofferson’s introspective style, highlighting his talent for turning personal struggles into universal themes.
“Once More with Feeling” tells the story of a couple at a crossroads in their relationship. The narrator, filled with regret, is seeking one more chance to reignite the love that once existed, knowing that the relationship is on the verge of collapse. The song conveys the tension between love and loss, with the plea to “try it once more, with feeling” symbolizing a desperate hope to recover what has been lost. Kristofferson’s lyrics reflect the familiar emotions of longing and regret that come with realizing that love may be slipping away, yet still clinging to the hope of reconciliation.
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Musically, the song leans heavily on its country roots, with a slow, steady rhythm driven by acoustic guitar and light percussion. The instrumentation is sparse yet effective, allowing the focus to remain on Kristofferson’s voice and the emotional weight of the lyrics. His gravelly, world-weary tone brings a sense of authenticity to the song, making the listener feel the narrator’s desperation and heartache. There’s a quiet intensity in the delivery, which mirrors the uncertainty and fragility of the relationship at the center of the song.
The lyrics are a poignant reflection on the fragile nature of love and the difficulty of maintaining emotional connection over time. The song’s central theme — the desire to feel love “once more, with feeling” — speaks to the human need for emotional renewal and the hope that love can be rekindled, even when it feels like it’s slipping away. Kristofferson doesn’t sugarcoat the situation; there’s an underlying sense of realism in the song that acknowledges the challenges of relationships, yet the hope remains that love can triumph, even if just for one more moment.
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“Once More with Feeling” stands out not only for its emotional depth but also for its lyrical simplicity. Kristofferson’s straightforward writing style allows the listener to easily connect with the song’s themes, making it relatable to anyone who has experienced the ups and downs of love. The song is not just about heartbreak but also about resilience and the willingness to try again, even in the face of uncertainty.
Kristofferson’s ability to convey such deep emotions in just a few verses is a testament to his songwriting talent. “Once More with Feeling” is a reminder of the fragile beauty of love, the importance of forgiveness, and the hope that, despite past mistakes, there is always a chance to rekindle the spark of connection. The song continues to resonate with audiences as one of Kristofferson’s more introspective and heartfelt works, a timeless ballad about the complexities of the human heart.
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Lyrics
“Once More With Feeling”
of the parts we’ve learned to play
Never quite together like before
But somehow darlin’ something good
got lost along the way
And our song ain’t nothing
special anymore
Let’s try it one more time
with feeling darlin’, take it from the top
Let me feel those tears a fallin’ babe
I don’t want to miss a single drop
Darlin’ make believe your makin’
me believe each word you say
Try it once more with feeling
and we’ll call it a day
Ah you’re reachin’ out to touch me
darlin’ just the way you used to do
An you’re lookin’ everywhere but in my eyes
Well that’s an oldy but it’s a goody babe
but them words ain’t ringin’ true
And you don’t seem very sure of your life
So try it one more time with feeling
darlin’ take it from the top
This one is the big one baby so give
it everything you got
Darlin’ make believe your makin’ me
believe each word you say
Let’s try it once more with feeling
and we’ll call it a day