Once In A While
Akon · Konvicted [2006]
It's funny man
Cause it's like it's not going nowhere
And you gon' see it wherever there's struggle
I see my pain in your eyes man
So I know you're feelin' me
It's that twinkle man
That sign of struggle
I've seen it
In me
Cause everyday I can't help but see it
People ain't satisfied
And you're hatin' your 9 to 5
Everybody wanna live another life
But every goal or mountain you climb
Not to better your day
That do leave room for people to say
I guess you're livin' better now
Share a little of that cheddar now
Cause I remember days back when
A brother was hustlin and robbin' too
I done tossed up a letter now
On a whole nother level now
Still I can't enjoy my fame
Unless my people doin' the same
And gettin' money too
[Once in awhile I couldn't look at you]
Once in awhile
[and see the twinkle in your eyes]
And I can see that you never wanna struggle no more
[Once in awhile I couldn't look at you]
Once in awhile
[and see the twinkle in your eyes]
And I can see that you don't ever wanna cry no more
Cause everytime you ask me, I'm grindin'
It shouldn't have to be that way
You shouldn't have to pay my way
I shouldn't have to want for a brighter day
Got a little problem on the way
Bounty hunters checkin' state to state
Child support lady on your case
Not to mention tickets you ain't never paid
Oh
Is what you'll be askin'
God please hold it down for me
Don't let satan get ahold of me
I'm tryin' to tell you it can happen to me too
But it happened a lot worse to my brother
Muhammad thank God he recovered
[Once in awhile I choose look at you]
Once in awhile
[and see the twinkle in your eyes]
And I can see that you never wanna struggle no more
[Once in awhile I choose look at you]
Once in awhile
[and see the twinkle in your eyes]
And I can see that you don't ever wanna cry no more
[Once in awhile I choose look at you]
I see your pain now
I can feel you strain now
And I can see you cryin'
And inside you're dyin
We're all the same now
But you got to make change now
[Once in awhile I choose look at you]
Once in awhile
[and see the twinkle in your eyes]
And I can see that you don't ever struggle no more
[Once in awhile I choose look at you]
Once in awhile
[and see the twinkle in your eyes]
And I can see that you don't ever wanna cry no more
Don't wanna cry no more
And I can see
That you don't ever want to struggle no more
Once In A While - Akon
Released in 2006 on the album Konvicted, "Once In A While" stands as a defining track in Akon's evolution from pop-rap to R&B. The song features a smooth, melodic structure that blends hip-hop rhythms with soulful vocals, characteristic of the mid-2000s digital pop sound. It showcases Akon's signature ability to merge electronic production with organic instrumentation, creating an atmospheric backdrop for his emotive delivery. As a key component of his discography during this era, the recording reflects the genre's shift toward more polished, radio-friendly R&B while maintaining his distinct vocal identity. The track remains a notable example of his work that bridges the gap between his earlier rap-focused output and his later, more mature musical direction.