Once Bitten, Twice Shy

For other uses, see Once Bitten.

"Once Bitten, Twice Shy" is a song written and recorded by Ian Hunter, released in 1975 as his debut solo single from his debut solo album Ian Hunter. The song reached No. 14 on the UK Singles Chart.^[2]

"Once Bitten, Twice Shy"
Single by Ian Hunter
from the album Ian Hunter
B-side	"3,000 Miles from Here"
Released	4 April 1975
Recorded	January–March 1975
Studio	AIR Studios, London
Genre	Rock and roll[1]
Length	3:52
Label	Columbia Records/Sony Music Entertainment
Songwriter(s)	Ian Hunter
Producer(s)	Ian Hunter, Mick Ronson
Ian Hunter singles chronology
"Once Bitten, Twice Shy" (1975) "Who Do You Love?" (1975)

The song was included in the 2017 feature-length biographical documentary, and compilation soundtrack,^[3] entitled Beside Bowie: the Mick Ronson Story.^[4]

The song has been covered by the Angels, Shaun Cassidy, and Eddie & the Hot Rods, among others.^{[citation needed]}

Great White cover

"Once Bitten, Twice Shy"
Single by Great White
from the album ...Twice Shy
B-side	"Slow Ride"
Released	1989
Studio	Total Access (Redondo Beach, California)
Genre	Pop metal[5][6] glam metal[7] hard rock[8]
Length	5:24
Label	Capitol
Songwriter(s)	Ian Hunter
Producer(s)	Alan Niven, Michael Lardie
Great White singles chronology
"Mista Bone" (1989) "Once Bitten, Twice Shy" (1989) "The Angel Song" (1989)
Music videos
"Once Bitten, Twice Shy" on YouTube

"Once Bitten, Twice Shy" was covered in 1989 by American rock band Great White on their fourth album, ...Twice Shy. This version was also released as a single, which charted at No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100, at No. 6 on the Mainstream Rock Tracks chart^[9] and again in the UK.^[10]

This version's video was placed on a New York Times list of the 15 Essential Hair-Metal Videos.^[11]

Critical reception

Billboard's reviewer came to conclusion that success of LP in its chart will be a "strong support" to single and "should place this boogieing rocker on a large number of playlists."^[12]

Charts

Chart (1989)	Peak position
Canada Top Singles (RPM)[13]	11
UK Singles (OCC)[14]	83
US Billboard Hot 100[15]	5
US Mainstream Rock (Billboard)[16]	6

Certifications

Region	Certification	Certified units/sales
United States (RIAA)[17]	Gold	500,000^
^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.

Track listings

Ian Hunter 1975 single

1. "Once Bitten, Twice Shy" – 3:52
2. "3,000 Miles from Here" – 2:48

Great White 1989 single

1. "Once Bitten, Twice Shy" – 5:20
2. "Slow Ride" – 3:53
3. "Wasted Rock Ranger" (Cassette only)