Poor Man's Poison
Poor Mans Poison Lyrics


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You took these hands away
Just to rest for the writings of today
I walk alone, holding price on fate
"Singled out as lost" they′d say

As trials are forgotten
Their crimes fall short to pay
Our captain is now waking
And never fails to say

That a poor man's poison
Could be anything that you love
When all that you know is more than you need
Some better off are alone

If you failed before to rise
Would you stand again and fight?
Or cower down, losing everything
Your brothers know you to love

As trials are forgotten
Their crimes fall short to pay
Our captain is now waking
And never fails to say

That a poor man′s poison
Could be anything that you love
When all that you know is more than you need
Some better off are alone

How the poor man's poison
Could be anything that you love
When all that you know is more than you need




Some better off are alone
Some better off are alone

Overall Meaning

In "Poor Man's Poison," Poor Man's Poison sings about the concept of a "poor man's poison" and how it can be anything that one loves so much that it consumes them. The opening lines describe the feeling of being alone and misunderstood, as the singer seems to be set apart from others, or "singled out as lost," perhaps because of their passion for something that is not understood or valued by others. The ensuing lines pose a question to the listener, asking whether they would choose to fight or give up when faced with failure. The chorus repeats the assertion that anything could be a poor man's poison, depending on how much it consumes them, and that some who seem better off are actually alone.


The second verse returns to the idea of forgotten trials and failures, and the fact that the punishment for such crimes may fall short of justice. The reference to a "captain waking" could refer to a moral or spiritual leader who reminds the listener of the dangers of becoming too consumed by one's passion. The chorus reiterates that a poor man's poison could be anything, implying that it is universal, and not limited to those who are materially poor.


Overall, the song seems to be a cautionary tale about the dangers of becoming too attached to any one thing, and how that can ultimately lead to isolation and a sense of being lost. It encourages the listener to reflect on their own priorities and whether the things they love are serving them, or becoming a poison that threatens to consume them entirely.


Line by Line Meaning

You took these hands away
You removed my ability or opportunity to do something with my hands


Just to rest for the writings of today
You did this so I can take a break and write something today


I walk alone, holding price on fate
I am walking by myself, carrying the burden of destiny


"Singled out as lost" they′d say
People identify me as someone who is aimless and hopeless


As trials are forgotten
As hardships are left in the past and not remembered


Their crimes fall short to pay
The punishment for their offenses is not enough to make up for their wrongdoing


Our captain is now waking
Our leader is now rising to take charge


And never fails to say
And always speaks the truth


That a poor man's poison
Anything that a poor person desires can be harmful in excess


Could be anything that you love
One's passions or desires can turn into a weakness


When all that you know is more than you need
When you have everything that you need and more


Some better off are alone
Having wealth or success doesn't necessarily bring happiness or companionship


If you failed before to rise
If you have previously struggled to succeed


Would you stand again and fight?
Will you try again and put up a fight?


Or cower down, losing everything
Or give up and lose everything


Your brothers know you to love
Your friends and family know you for your kindness and love


How the poor man's poison
The things that are dangerous to a poor person


Could be anything that you love
The things that you love can be harmful, especially if you overindulge


When all that you know is more than you need
When you have more than enough


Some better off are alone
Having wealth and success doesn't guarantee happiness or companionship




Contributed by Ellie A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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John


on Hell's Comin' with Me

I love this song

Ss


on Georgia Law Man

"And high noon came a little too soon that day"
"Knockin on the bank on the back way out of town"
"With the marshal's boys never far behind
And then West Virginia out on the horizon"

Ss


on Georgia Law Man

This aint correct

Vee


on C'mon Down

"got the preacher man preaching bout living in sin" gets me every time, how did they wright this masterpiece.

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