“Once Is Enough/One Time Too Many” is a song written by Richard Supa and Steven Tallarico in 1987. It was demoed and recorded in Vancouver during the Permanent Vacations sessions. A tape dated 2/16/1987 included a demo, which is likely the slower version that leaked during the mid 1990s in the Permanent Outtakes bootleg.
Since then it evolved into a song with a slower acoustic part and a rocking second half. The Aerosmith version of “Once Is Enough” was officially released as a B-side in the US 12″ Vinyl “Dude Looks Like A Lady” (Geffen 20751-0) single, and in the “Vacation Club” CD EP (Geffen 22P2-2132).
Steve Berkowitz revealed in an interview with Larry Katz, Columbia Records executive, how the track came to light during discussions with Willie Nelson and Mark Rothbaum about compiling essential works from Willie’s career. Willie likely recorded his parts in Texas with Steven and Joe, with the rest of the track having been recorded earlier in Vancouver.
Steven Tyler confirmed remembering the session and was enthusiastic about its release. The track seemed to have been worked on in stages and had different versions, with some parts recorded by Aerosmith in Vancouver and others with Willie Nelson in Texas. The cassette copy that Willie had was of poor quality, suggesting it was an eighth-generation tape. Tyler confirmed the multi-track’s existence in the Aerosmith archive, and it was eventually sent for mixing.
The track appeared on the Willie Nelson CD: “Essential Willie Nelson”, under the name “One Time Too Many” in April 1st, 2003 on Columbia/Legacy. “One Time Too Many” is attributed to the first slower acoustic part, and “Once is Enough” to the faster rock second half.
“Willie Nelson’s image and persona are only overshadowed by the character of his guitar,” Tyler said in the liner notes for the album. “To some, his imperfections and outlaw image ruffle feathers, to the rest of us it only raises the old question: Why fuck with perfection? He’s the elder statesman of cool and the ambassador of good will and high times.”
A live version recorded at New York’s Beacon Theatre for Willie Nelson’s 70 Birthday in 2003 and is on a video called “Willie Nelson and Friends: Live and Kickin'”.
It was performed again on 1/31/2004 Houston, TX, USA – “Toby Keith’ Shock’n Y’all Super Bowl Party“.
A final live performances took place at Farm Aid 25: Growing Hope for America, where Farm Aid President Willie Nelson performed “One Time Too Many” and “Once is Enough” with Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler at Miller Park in Milwaukee on October 2, 2010.
Farm Aid was started by Willie Nelson, Neil Young and John Mellencamp in 1985 to keep family farmers on the land and has worked since then to make sure everyone has access to good food from family farmers.
I let love die, broke a woman’s heart
Got only myself to blame
Fate ran its course, I suffered a loss
I learned a lesson in pain
I cheated, I lied, I took love for granted
love got cold as ice but it’s all in the past
I won’t make the same mistake twice
Once is enough, it’s one time too many
The changes are rough, ooo, once is enough
Love went through such a sudden change
Taken a turn for the worst
The joy turned to fear, the pain got so severe
Lord, I thought I was cursed
Yeah … You get what you give, it comes around full circle
Ooh, and I paid the price
Cuz I lost love so fast
I won’t make the same mistake twice
I cheated, I lied, I took love for granted
ooh and I paid the price I lost love so fast
I won’t make the same mistake twice
Once is enough, it’s one time too many
Changes are rough, ooo, once is enough…
The Back-Burner: Aerosmith Outtakes & Demos 