Once Bitten, Twice Shy

Ian Hunter

About Once Bitten, Twice Shy

"Once Bitten, Twice Shy" is a 1975 song written and recorded by Ian Hunter, from his debut solo album Ian Hunter, which reached No. 14 in the UK Singles Chart. The song was included in the 2017 feature-length biographical documentary, and compilation soundtrack, entitled Beside Bowie: the Mick Ronson Story. The song was covered by Shaun Cassidy on his 1980 LP Wasp.


Year:
2010
3:52
40 
#1

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Well the times are gettin' hard for you little girl
I'm a hummin' and a strummin' all over God's world
You can't remember when you had your last meal
And you don't know just how a woman feels

You didn't know what rock and roll was
Until you met my drummer on the Grey tour bus
I got there in the nick of time
Before he got his hands across your state line, yeah

Now it's the middle of the night on the open road
The heater don't work and it's oh so cold
You're lookin' tired, you're lookin' kinda  beat
The rhythm of the street sure knocks you off your feet

You didn't know how rock and roll looked
Until you caught your sister with the guys from the group
Halfway home in the parking lot
By the look in her eye she was givin' what she got

I said my, my, my, I'm once bitten twice, shy babe
My, my, my, I'm once bitten twice shy baby
My, my, my, I'm once bitten twice shy baby

Oh, woman you're a mess, gonna die in your sleep
There's  blood on my amp and my Les Paul's beat
Can't keep you home, you're messin' around
My best friend told me you're the best lick in town

You didn't know that rock and roll burned
So you bought a candle and you lived and you learned
You got the rhythm, you got the speed
Mama's little baby likes it short and sweet

I said my, my, my, I'm once bitten twice, shy babe
My, my, my, I'm once bitten twice shy baby
My, my, my, I'm once bitten twice shy baby

Alright!  I didn't know you had a rock and roll record
Until I saw your picture on another guy's jacket
You told me I was the only one
But look at you now, it's as dark as it's gone

I said my, my, my, I'm once bitten twice, shy babe
My, my, my, I'm once bitten twice shy baby
My, my, my, I'm once bitten twice shy baby
I said my, my, my, I'm once bitten twice, shy babe
My, my, my, I'm once bitten twice shy baby

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Ian Hunter

Ian Hunter Patterson, (born 3 June 1939), is an English singer-songwriter who is best known as the lead singer of the English rock band Mott the Hoople from its inception in 1969 to its dissolution in 1974, and at the time of its 2009 reunion. Hunter was a musician and songwriter before joining Mott The Hoople, and continued in this vein after he left the band. He embarked on a solo career despite ill health and disillusionment with commercial success, and often worked in collaboration with Mick Ronson, David Bowie's sideman and arranger from the Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars period. more »

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Written by: Ian Hunter

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Song Creation
"Once Bitten, Twice Shy" was written, composed, and originally sung by Ian Hunter, the former lead vocalist of the rock band, "Mott the Hoople".
Song Title
The song's title "Once Bitten, Twice Shy" is a classic old saying suggesting one becomes cautious after a negative experience.
Release Year
Ian Hunter's "Once Bitten, Twice Shy" was first released as part of his debut solo album, "Ian Hunter", in 1975.
Chart Success
The song did well in the UK, reaching no.14 in UK's Singles Chart.
Cover Version
"Once Bitten, Twice Shy" was also covered by American singer and actor Shaun Cassidy for his 1980 album "Wasp".
Popular Cover
Although Shaun Cassidy's version did not make a big impact, the most famous cover version came from the rock band "Great White" in 1989, which went on to reach no. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Re-recording
Shaun Cassidy re-recorded the song in a glam-rock style with special guest guitarist Elliot Easton from 'The Cars.'
Cultural Influence
The Great White version of "Once Bitten, Twice Shy" was ranked 73rd in VH1's 100 Greatest Hard Rock Songs list.
Miscellaneous
The song's lyrics are about a rock star’s encounter with groupies during a tour.
Live Versions
Ian Hunter usually performs "Once Bitten, Twice Shy" towards the close of his concerts, making it a signature track for him.

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