Williams and White met in 2008, during a song-writing session or "writing camp" at a music studio in Nashville, Tennessee. According to Williams, the idea for the band's name came as she "was driving around town looking at all the Civil War monuments." Their first recording was of a 2009 performance at Eddie's Attic in Georgia which they released as a free Internet download called Live at Eddie's Attic. Later that year, they released a digital extended-play album, called Poison & Wine, produced by Charlie Peacock, and the title song appeared on the TV show Grey's Anatomy.
In 2011, The Civil Wars released the album Barton Hollow; which reached No. 12 on the Billboard 200 chart, No. 54 on the UK Albums Chart and received Grammy nominations in the Best Folk Album and Best Country Duo/Group Performance categories. The album was included on several critics' Best Albums of 2011 lists, including NPR Music, Paste, Time, Associated Press, AllMusic.com The Wall Street Journal, Rolling Stone, Entertainment Weekly and USA Today. They released the singles "Tracks in the Snow" and "Safe & Sound".
In 2012, The Civil Wars partnered with T-Bone Burnett on the film score for the documentary A Place At The Table (previously known as Finding North) and collaborated on the song "Lily Love" with The Chieftains. They released a 7" vinyl album with cover versions of Michael Jackson's "Billie Jean" and Portishead's "Sour Times" in April. The duo was featured in American Way magazine, USA Today, on the cover of Billboard, and released a photo book called To Whom It May Concern.
In November 2012, the duo went on hiatus, citing "internal discord and irreconcilable differences of ambition". In August 2014, The Civil Wars announced an official break-up through press release.
Poison
The Civil Wars Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I know everything you don't want me to
Oh, your mouth is poison, your mouth is wine
You think your dreams are the same as mine
Ooh, I don't love you, but I always will
Ooh, I don't love you, but I always will
I don't love you, but I always will
I wish you'd hold me when I turn my back
The less I give the more I get back
Ooh, your hands can heal, your hands can bruise
I don't have a choice, but I still choose you
Oh, I don't love you, but I always will
Oh, I don't love you, but I always will
I don't love you, but I always will
Oh, I don't love you, but I always will
I don't love you, but I always will
I don't love you, but I always will
I don't love you, but I always will
I always will
I always will
I always will
I always will
I always will
In "Poison & Wine", The Civil Wars sing about a relationship that is both toxic and addictive. The verses present the idea of two people who know each other's secrets, but are still unable to truly understand each other. The first lines contrast the limited knowledge that they choose to share with each other: "You only know what I want you to/I know everything you don't want me to." The chorus highlights the tension between love and hatred: "Ooh, I don't love you, but I always will." It seems as though the couple is constantly fighting, yet they are unable to let go of each other.
In the second verse, the lyrics describe the power dynamic in the relationship. The main character acknowledges that she wishes for her partner's love and affection, but is hesitant to give her own. She describes the dangerous allure of a person who can both hurt and heal: "Ooh, your hands can heal, your hands can bruise/I don't have a choice, but I still choose you." The repetition of the chorus emphasizes the idea that the couple is trapped in their patterns of behavior and unable to break free, no matter how much they may hurt each other.
Line by Line Meaning
You only know what I want you to
The singer only reveals selective information to the listener.
I know everything you don't want me to
The singer knows more than what the listener intends to share.
Oh, your mouth is poison, your mouth is wine
The singer describes how the listener's words can be both harmful and sweet.
You think your dreams are the same as mine
The listener assumes they share the same aspirations as the artist.
Ooh, I don't love you, but I always will
Despite the artist's admission of not loving the listener, they will continue to care.
I wish you'd hold me when I turn my back
The singer desires comfort and support even when they are unaware.
The less I give the more I get back
The singer feels the listener benefits more from their relationship despite giving less.
Ooh, your hands can heal, your hands can bruise
Similar to earlier, the listener's actions towards the artist can be both helpful and harmful.
I don't have a choice, but I still choose you
The artist feels compelled to remain in this relationship despite no other options.
I always will
The artist reiterates their commitment to the listener, even if it's unrequited.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Joy Williams, John White, Chris Lindsey
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@golamraufu
"Poison & Wine
You only know what I want you to
I know everything you don't want me to
Oh your mouth is poison, your mouth is wine
You think your dreams are the same as mine
Oh I don't love you but I always will
Oh I don't love you but I always will
Oh I don't love you but I always will
I always will
I wish you'd hold me when I turn my back
The less I give the more I get back
Oh your hands can heal, your hands can bruise
I don't have a choice but I'd still choose you
Oh I don't love you but I always will [x7]
I always will [x5]
@rafiabrewster9354
Who’s still here in 2024 ❤
@SweetPurebloodAngel
Me!
@danielyee517
Still listening after hearing this in TVD!
@Dezzy23
I was just thinking about them but couldn't remember their name... Thank goodness I found it, love this song!!
@amycoleman3688
Me!!
@primobueno8291
me too
@Malthy2204
Yes, totally still listening. Their vocal harmony is bursting with talent.
@Malthy2204
Btw cannot help but sing along and add a third tier.
@AnaAnes
Me too.always.
@Foodiedad17
It took me so long to find them again. Thanks for the memories. Bittersweet