Meaning of "Once Is Enough" by Lyle Lovett

The lyrics of "Once Is Enough" by Lyle Lovett delve into the concept of learning from experiences and how they shape a person's outlook on life. The repetition of "once is enough" emphasizes the idea that individuals only need one instance to truly understand and internalize a lesson. The song touches on themes of love, rejection, growth, and self-awareness. Lovett reflects on how he used to be more open-minded, understanding, and resilient but has changed over time due to the experiences he has faced. The line "once is enough for anybody" suggests that even the strongest individuals can be deeply impacted by a single event. Furthermore, the mention of looking away and turning back just once implies that actions, no matter how small, can have lasting effects. Overall, the lyrics convey a message of introspection, acceptance, and the inevitability of change.