The Meaning Behind The Song: Once Bitten – Twice Shy by Great White
The song “Once Bitten, Twice Shy” was originally written and performed by Ian Hunter, lead singer of the band Mott the Hoople. However, it was Great White’s cover of the song in 1989 that propelled it to national attention and mainstream success. The song features powerful guitar riffs and a catchy chorus that has made it a classic rock radio staple.
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But what’s the meaning behind the song? The lyrics tell a story of a woman who takes advantage of a man’s trust and leaves him feeling foolish. She is “once bitten, twice shy” and is not interested in opening herself up to someone again. The song is about the pain of betrayal and the difficulty of trusting again.
The phrase “once bitten, twice shy” is an idiom that means when someone has been hurt or experienced something bad, they are more cautious the next time. It can refer to a variety of situations, such as relationships, business dealings or taking risks. In the context of the song, it’s about the challenge of starting a new relationship after being hurt in a previous one.
FAQs About “Once Bitten, Twice Shy” by Great White
1. Who wrote “Once Bitten, Twice Shy”?
The song was written by Ian Hunter, the lead singer of the band Mott the Hoople. Great White’s version of the song is a cover.
2. When was “Once Bitten, Twice Shy” released?
Great White’s cover of the song was released in 1989 on their album “…Twice Shy.”
3. What’s the meaning behind the phrase “once bitten, twice shy”?
The phrase means that when someone has been hurt or experienced something bad, they are more cautious the next time. In the context of the song, it’s about the challenge of starting a new relationship after being hurt in a previous one.
4. What genre is “Once Bitten, Twice Shy”?
The song is generally considered to be a classic rock song.
5. What’s the story behind Great White’s cover of the song?
Great White’s lead singer, Jack Russell, heard Ian Hunter’s version of the song while he was driving and decided to cover it. The band put their own spin on the song, adding in additional guitar solos and changing some of the lyrics.
6. What other songs are on Great White’s album “…Twice Shy”?
Other popular songs on the album include “Rock Me” and “House of Broken Love.”
7. Has the song been featured in any movies or TV shows?
Yes, the song has been featured in a number of movies and TV shows over the years, including “The Sopranos,” “The Runaways,” and “Dancing With the Stars.”
8. What awards has the song or the album won?
The album “…Twice Shy” went double platinum and was nominated for a Grammy award. However, the song itself has not won any awards.
9. What other bands have covered “Once Bitten, Twice Shy”?
In addition to Great White’s version, other notable bands that have covered the song include Tesla, UFO, and Faster Pussycat.
10. What’s the story behind Mott the Hoople’s original version of the song?
Ian Hunter wrote the song after he was inspired by meeting the author Truman Capote. Hunter was nervous about the meeting and felt that Capote was taking advantage of him.
11. What’s the legacy of “Once Bitten, Twice Shy”?
The song has become a classic rock radio staple and is often featured on “greatest hits” compilations. It’s one of Great White’s most popular songs and is a fan favorite at their concerts.
12. What other classic rock songs are similar to “Once Bitten, Twice Shy”?
Other classic rock songs that have a similar sound and feel to “Once Bitten, Twice Shy” include “Cat Scratch Fever” by Ted Nugent, “Bad to the Bone” by George Thorogood, and “Born to Be Wild” by Steppenwolf.
