About the song
“Once a Day” is a seminal track in the annals of country music, marking a significant milestone for both its writer, Bill Anderson, and its performer, Connie Smith. Released in August 1964, this song was Smith’s debut single, produced by Bob Ferguson for her self-titled debut album. It quickly ascended the charts, topping the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart for an impressive eight consecutive weeks from late 1964 to early 1965. This achievement was particularly notable as it made Smith the first female artist to debut at number one on this chart.
The song’s success is attributed to its heartfelt lyrics and Smith’s powerful delivery. “Once a Day” tells the poignant story of a woman who attempts to limit her grief over a lost love to “once a day,” only to reveal that this sorrow occupies her thoughts continuously. The emotional depth of the song resonated with many, helping it maintain its top position on the charts for two months.
“Once a Day” was recorded at RCA Victor’s Studio B in Nashville, Tennessee, on July 16, 1964. This session featured Nashville’s famed “A-Team” of musicians, including members of Anderson’s touring band, The Po’ Boys. Smith, who also played the song’s guitar accompaniment, infused the recording with a personal touch that elevated its authenticity and appeal.
In 2020, the song was honored with induction into the National Recording Registry by the Library of Congress, recognizing its “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant” impact. This accolade underscores the song’s lasting influence and its place in the pantheon of country music classics.
Interestingly, “Once a Day” was initially recorded as a demo before becoming Smith’s breakthrough hit. Despite her initial reservations about the song, Smith’s rendition turned it into an enduring anthem. The song’s success was not just confined to the United States; it was also re-recorded in French as “Pas Souvent” and released in France. Furthermore, Smith revisited the song for her 1976 album “The Song We Fell in Love To,” demonstrating its enduring relevance and popularity.
Smith’s career trajectory was significantly boosted by the success of “Once a Day.” Following this hit, she released a series of successful singles, including “Then and Only Then,” “If I Talk to Him,” “Ain’t Had No Lovin’,” and “The Hurtin’s All Over.” These songs cemented her status as a leading figure in country music throughout the 1960s. Although “Once a Day” remained her only number-one hit on the Billboard country charts, Smith continued to enjoy success, topping the Canadian country charts with “Ribbon of Darkness” in 1969 and “(‘Til) I Kissed You” in 1976.
“Once a Day” not only established Connie Smith as a major star in the country music world but also earned her numerous accolades, including Grammy Award nominations for Best Female Country Vocal Performance and Best New Country Artist. The song’s impact was profound, leading to a string of top ten hits and a lasting legacy in the genre.
Video
Lyrics
When you found somebody new
I thought I never would
Forget you for I thought then I never could
But time has taken all the pains away
Until now, I’m down to hurtin’ once a day
Once a day (once a day)
All-day long (all day long)
And once a night (once a night)
From dusk ’til dawn (dusk ’til dawn)
The only time
I wish you weren’t gone
Is once a day, every day, all day long
I’m so glad that I’m not like a girl I knew one time
She lost the one she loved then slowly lost her mind
She sat around and cried her life away
Lucky me, I’m only cryin’ once a day
Once a day (once a day)
All-day long (all day long)
And once a night (once a night)
From dusk ’til dawn (dusk ’til dawn)
The only time
I wish you weren’t gone
Is once a day, every day, all day long
Once a day, every day, all day long