Introduction
“Once Is Enough,” a ballad crooned by the King himself, Elvis Presley, isn’t just a catchy tune – it’s a window into a bygone era of southern charm, family ties, and forbidden romance. Released in 1964 as part of the soundtrack for the film “Kissin’ Cousins,” the song paints a bittersweet portrait of a love found and lost amidst the rolling hills and hickory-scented air of rural Appalachia.
Composed by the songwriting duo Sid Tepper and Roy C. Bennett, “Once Is Enough” captures the essence of Elvis’s early career, blending his signature soulful vocals with the twangy rhythms of country music. The lyrics tell the story of a young man named Josh, who falls head over heels for his beautiful cousin, Betsy. Their bond deepens under the southern sun, their laughter echoing through the hollers and fireflies dancing in the twilight. But their idyllic love is forbidden, shadowed by the weight of family ties and societal disapproval.
The song’s melody mirrors the emotional journey of Josh and Betsy. Starting with a gentle, swaying rhythm, it builds to a crescendo of yearning and desperation as Josh pleads with his beloved, “Once is enough, my darling, to know what love can be.” The chorus, a haunting refrain of “Once is enough, then let me go,” reveals the bittersweet realization that their love, though intense, cannot overcome the constraints of tradition.
“Once Is Enough” transcends its cinematic origins, becoming a timeless anthem for forbidden love and the bittersweet sting of loss. It’s a song that speaks to the heart, reminding us of the raw power of connection, the pain of separation, and the enduring beauty of a love story etched in the memory, even if it can never fully bloom. So, let the music wash over you, and step back in time to the heart of Appalachia, where Elvis’s voice weaves a tale of love, loss, and the enduring power of “Once Is Enough.”
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