why "three times a lady"?

Once Richie's father toasted his mother, Alberta, saying “She's a great lady, she's a great mother, and she's a great friend.”

Three times a lady - by Lionel Richie

 

Thanks for the times that you've given me

The memories are all in my mind

And now that we've come to the end of our rainbow

There's something I must say out loud

You're once, twice, three times a lady

And I love you

Yes, you're once, twice, three times a lady

And I love you

I love you

When we are together, the moments I cherish

With every beat of my heart

To touch you, to hold you, to feel you, to need you

There's nothing to keep us apart

You're once, twice, three times a lady

And I love you

I love you