Meaning of "Once Bitten, Twice Shy" by Ian Hunter

The song "Once Bitten, Twice Shy" by Ian Hunter explores the theme of betrayal and learning from past mistakes. The lyrics depict a woman who naively gets involved with rock 'n' roll culture, only to be deceived and hurt by the people around her. The repeated phrase "Once bitten, twice shy" serves as a warning about being cautious after experiencing pain and betrayal. The references to music and the rock 'n' roll lifestyle symbolize the allure and danger of living on the edge. The song's narrator observes the woman's downward spiral, from initially being ignorant to the harsh realities of life in the fast lane to becoming a cautionary tale of lost innocence. Overall, the lyrics convey a message about resilience and the importance of learning from past experiences to avoid making the same mistakes again.