After hiring C.C. DeVille, they changed their name to the more edgy ''Poison'' and started working their way up the L.A. Club scene. In 1986 they recorded their debut album ''Look What the Cat Dragged In'', which was made successful by their massive hit ''Talk Dirty to Me'', whose video was played on a constant rotation on MTV. Poison's next album, the fan favorite ''Open Up and Say... Ahh!'' was carried on the shoulders of the chart topping ballad ''Every Rose Has Its Thorn'', written by Bret Michaels about his girlfriend cheating on him with Quiet Riot frontman Kevin DuBrow. Poison's third album, Flesh & Blood, showed Poison's more mainstream side. After Flesh & Blood came out, Poison started going downhill. C.C. DeVille was in a constant drug binge and couldn't be found. When Poison was slated to play Unskinny Bop for the MTV Movie Awards, C.C. forgot what song to play and ripped into Talk Dirty To Me on live television. He was fired on the spot.
Guitarist Ritchie Kotzen was brought in to record the album Native Tongue, which showed a new creative turn for the band. Ritchie was a good guitarist, but was thrown out of the band for sleeping with drummer Rikki Rocketts fiance. Poison then brought in Blues Saraceno as guitarist, with whom they recorded ''Crack A Smile...And More!'', one of Poison's lost gems.
After years of disconnection, C.C. DeVille came back to Poison for a full reunion. They have since toured with many acts, including KISS. They are currently planning a summer tour with fellow hair metal elite Cinderella and have just released a new 20th anniversary greatest hits cd.
In the 2007 game Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock, the track "Talk Dirty to Me" is featured.
There are other artists with the same name:
2) Poison is a German Death/Thrash Metal band, formed in 1982.
Named "Poison (ger)" on Last FM
3) Poison was a Japanese hardcore punk band formed in 1982. Their sound is a mix of traditional Japanese hardcore and metal. The band later changed their name to Poison Arts.
4) Poison is an American Heavy/Speed Metal band, formed in 1983.
5) Poison is an American funk group formed in the '70s
6) Poison was a Finnish band formed by Albert Järvinen
7) For the Garage punk/blues rock band formed in 1984 in Austin, Texas. Originally active from 1984 to 1987, the band played a reunion show in 2000. See Poison 13
Poor Boy Blues
Poison Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
"Son, don't you come to me cryin'
Cause money don't make you a happy man"
He said the grass is always greener
Any place except where you stand
He said some are born to win
And some born to lose
Watch out
I've lived uptown, downtown
Lord I've lived everywhere
Almost drowned in the puddle of my own sweat I swear
I believe it's due time I get my mansion in ole Bel Air
[Chorus]
But I'm still singin' those poor boy blues
Poor boy blues
You don't know how I'm feeling baby
Until you're wearing my shoes
Sure as I'm standing here
I got them poor boy blues
Friday night I get tanked up
And tossed in the local slam
At least I get three square meals
Until someone gets me out of this jam
In the meanwhile all my green
Is going to Uncle Sam
[Chorus]
Walk this dog
[Chorus]
The song "Poor Boy Blues" by Poison is a tale of a man who is dissatisfied with his current situation and longing for a better life. However, his father advises him not to measure success by material possessions as it does not guarantee happiness. He tells him that people always desire what they don't have and that some are destined to win and some to lose. The chorus of the song talks about the poor boy blues that he is experiencing, which can only be understood if someone has walked in his shoes. The singer of the song dreams of living in a luxurious mansion in Bel Air but is currently struggling to make ends meet. However, he finds solace in music and continues to sing the poor boy blues.
The song highlights the struggle of young people who come from humble backgrounds and strive to make something of their lives. It showcases the socioeconomic differences that exist in society and how one's financial status can affect their happiness. The lyrics also emphasize the importance of pursuing one's dreams and not losing hope in difficult circumstances. In the end, the song leaves the listener with a sense of empathy for those who face adversity and a reminder that material success does not equate to happiness.
Line by Line Meaning
My daddy said
The singer's father once advised him.
"Son, don't you come to me cryin'
Cause money don't make you a happy man"
The singer's father discouraged him from seeking happiness through money.
He said the grass is always greener
Any place except where you stand
The father pointed out that people often want what they don't have and fail to appreciate what they already do.
He said some are born to win
And some born to lose
And sing them poor boy blues
The father believed that some people are destined for success while others are not, and the latter often feel disheartened and sad about it.
Watch out
The artist issues a warning before telling the rest of the story.
I've lived uptown, downtown
Lord I've lived everywhere
Almost drowned in the puddle of my own sweat I swear
I believe it's due time I get my mansion in ole Bel Air
The singer has experienced life at different levels of society and desperately wants to become wealthy enough to live in a grand mansion in a prestigious neighborhood.
[Chorus]
But I'm still singin' those poor boy blues
Poor boy blues
You don't know how I'm feeling baby
Until you're wearing my shoes
Sure as I'm standing here
I got them poor boy blues
Despite his aspirations, the singer admits that he still feels downhearted and can't help but be envious of the wealthy. He implores the listener to empathize and understand his feelings.
Friday night I get tanked up
And tossed in the local slam
At least I get three square meals
Until someone gets me out of this jam
In the meanwhile all my green
Is going to Uncle Sam
The artist suffers from periodic bouts of drunkenness that land him in jail, but at least he's provided with food until he's bailed out. Unfortunately, he also notes that his hard-earned money is mostly going towards taxes.
[Chorus]
The refrain repeats the same sentiment as before, as the artist is still struggling with feelings of inadequacy and jealousy.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: BOBBY DALL, BRET MICHAELS, BRUCE ANTHONY JOHANNESSON, RIKKI ROCKET
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@rockerbabyification
I love this poison song because I like both rock and blues.
@yazidbakar1485
This song is very nice my old memory,love this song..good harmonica blues player..
@JHarrison08
I love cc ' s guitar solo in this :) I love poison !!
@rimeroliveira6399
Kayla, eu tbm amo o Poison !!!!!!!!!!!
@kurt6410
i loved the harmonica solo at the start
@CarlosEspinoza00
killer guitar tone
@georgeacenas-bx9bw
Underrated song from Pennsylvania rockers.
@volkanaslaner58
They make blues, hard rock, rockn roll and Glam. They like Axl-Slsh
C.C. keeps solo playin at the back likelivin his owm world. A Classic like Slash on end of Paradise Cty
@eduardovalenzuela5925
I love CC's playing in this song, very powerful and expressive wah sound
@UrtziLarrazabal
I love this song!!!!