In 1986, the band signed with EMI, and they subsequently recorded their first album, White Fields. which was released in 1987. Later in 1987, the group moved to Atlantic Records, frustrated with their energetic mix of hook-filled pop rock with dance music failing to break into the mainstream. Their next album, Wild Wild West, was released by Atlantic Records in the summer of 1988.
The first single, "Wild Wild West" (also known as "Wild,Wild West"), climbed to the number one slot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song's distinctive video also received a lot of MTV airplay. According to the Wild Wild West Songfacts, the song distinguished the Escape Club as being the only British group to have charted number one in the U.S. while never charting at all in the U.K.
In 1989, the group released two further singles from Wild Wild West: "Shake For The Sheik", which climbed to number 28, and "Walking Through Walls", which peaked at number 81. Hitting their stride, the Escape Club also had a cover single of The Doors' hard rock track "20th Century Fox" on the multi-artist collection 'The Wonder Years: Music From the Emmy Award-Winning Show & Its Era', which, in addition, meant long airplay on MTV. The band's official website reports that the song was produced by former Doors member Ray Manzarek.
In 1990, the band returned to the studio to record their what would be their final album, Dollars & Sex, which saw a March 1991 release. The first single, "Call It Poison", failed to crack the U.S. Top 40, which did not bode well for the quartet. Just when it seemed they would be considered a one-hit-wonder, Atlantic Records next released the slow ballad "I'll Be There". The group said the song was heavily influenced by the 1990 box office hit movie Ghost. "I'll Be There" reached number eight on the Billboard Hot 100. The group then called it quits in 1992. Frontman Trevor Steel has since worked as a solo singer-songwriter as well as a producer and television commentator.
Call it Poison
The Escape Club Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Our countries have become sewers
Not only Hollywood
There's San Francisco and New York and other cities
But by and large Hollywood
That has filled the land and filled the world with filth
I woke up this mornin'
Felt like this heavy band were playin' in my head
They were screamin' through the ceiling
Screamin' through the walls
Stealin' all my photographs and laughing at them all
Well, I phoned the man at work and this is what I said
I woke up this mornin' but I couldn't get out of bed
And I said
Oh-oh, oh-oh
"You call it poison, but I call it rock and roll"
I said
Oh-oh, oh-oh
"You call it poison, but I call it rock and roll"
The change of style felt out of place
Got myself a suntan and a facelift for my face
Down to the cathouse, cruisin' in L.A.
Found myself a pretty girl with nothin' much to say
Her conversation's like she comes from outer space
Got legs and long hair but I couldn't see her face
And she said
Oh-oh, oh-oh
"You call it poison, but I call it rock and roll"
She said
Oh-oh, oh-oh
"You call it poison, but I call it rock and roll"
Kick it
I say to you, mon, don't let them take your music away
'Cause you might play what you wanna play
And you might say what you wanna say
'Cause I must say
Bum-a-billy, bum-a-billy, bum-a-billy, bum
Bum-a-biddly, bum-a-biddly, bum-a-biddly, bum
Bum-a-billy, bum-a-billy, bum-a-billy, bum
Bum-a-billy, bum-a-billy, bum-a-billy, bum
It takes an hour backcombing my hair
Chilling out on heavy grass and picking clothes to wear
Look in the mirror, walk out on the street
Bump into a policeman I didn't expect to meet
He said to me, "Hey, are you some kind of red?
Well, it looks to me, son, like you just got out of bed"
And I said
(Chorus)
Oh-oh, oh-oh
"You call it poison, but I call it rock and roll"
I said
Oh-oh, oh-oh
"You call it poison, but I call it rock and roll"
(Outro)
Bum-a-billy, bum-a-billy, bum-a-billy, bum
Bum-a-billy, bum-a-billy, bum-a-billy, bum
Bum-a-billy, bum-a-billy, bum-a-billy, bum
Bum-a-billy, bum-a-billy, bum-a-billy, bum
Oh-oh, oh-oh
Oh-oh, oh-oh
Oh-oh, oh-oh
The lyrics of The Escape Club's "Call It Poison" present a critical reflection on the state of modern society, particularly focusing on the entertainment hub of Hollywood and its cultural implications. The opening verses express a disillusionment with urban life, describing cities like Hollywood, San Francisco, and New York as "sewers." This metaphor indicates a perception of moral decay and pollution—not just in the physical environment but also in the aesthetic and ethical landscapes. The singer implies that Hollywood has become emblematic of a broader cultural decline, having saturated the world with what they perceive as "filth." This commentary suggests how the glamor of these cities can obscure deeper societal issues, including the superficiality of fame and the destructive impact of celebrity culture.
As the singer wakes up feeling weighed down, the imagery paints a vivid picture of existential dread. The “heavy band” playing in their head symbolizes the overwhelming sense of despair and confusion that often accompanies a life filled with indulgence or excess. There’s a palpable struggle with mental health, as they hear these bands “screaming” and feel like their memories and identity are being stolen. These experiences evoke a sense of paralysis in the face of life's demands, emphasizing a disconnect from oneself and one's aspirations. The repetition of waking up and being unable to get out of bed may also point to a sense of societal pressure, where the persona feels encumbered by expectations and the noise of external validation.
The chorus introduces a stark juxtaposition between the terms "poison" and "rock and roll," underscoring a theme of rebellion and reinterpretation of negativity. While society labels their lifestyle choices as detrimental (or "poisonous"), the singer defends their lifestyle as a celebration of freedom and self-expression through music. This dichotomy reflects a broader cultural conflict around self-identity, artistic integrity, and the sometimes destructive nature of rock and roll culture. The narrative voice contrasts the bleak realities of the world around them with a personal connection to rock music, celebrating it as a form of liberation. It suggests that what some might see as harmful can also be a source of joy and resilience, illustrating the transformative power of music as a coping mechanism.
In further verses, the singer showcases the frivolities and absurdities of life in Los Angeles, from physical appearances to casual encounters. The line about visiting a "cathouse" symbolizes escapism through hedonistic pleasures, revealing a longing for connection in a superficial environment. Yet, this superficiality is met with a character who seems out of place, suggesting a sense of alienation even within these encounters. The interactions with authority figures and the playful banter they share reinforce a carefree attitude that continues through the repetition of the chorus. The underlying message throughout the song champions the importance of retaining one's voice and perspectives amidst societal pressures, culminating in a joyful defiance that elevates rock music as an essential and enriching aspect of life, allowing for the embrace of individuality even in a potentially toxic environment.
Line by Line Meaning
I just left Hollywood, California
I've recently distanced myself from the superficial glamour and distractions of Hollywood, California.
Our countries have become sewers
Our societies have devolved into places of moral decay and negativity.
Not only Hollywood
This issue is not restricted to Hollywood alone.
There's San Francisco and New York and other cities
Major cities like San Francisco and New York are also facing similar problems.
But by and large Hollywood
However, broadly speaking, Hollywood serves as the most prominent example.
That has filled the land and filled the world with filth
Hollywood has spread its negative influence, tainting our culture and environment.
I woke up this mornin'
I started my day feeling unmotivated and burdened.
I couldn't get out of bed
I felt so overwhelmed that I struggled to even rise from my bed.
Felt like this heavy band were playin' in my head
I was experiencing a mental weight, as if a loud band was causing chaos in my mind.
They were screamin' through the ceiling
The noise was so intense that it felt all-consuming, echoing around me.
Screamin' through the walls
The distressing thoughts felt as if they were penetrating my surroundings.
Stealin' all my photographs and laughing at them all
These negative thoughts seemed to mock my memories and experiences, stripping them of significance.
Well, I phoned the man at work and this is what I said
I reached out to my employer to communicate my challenging state of mind.
I woke up this mornin' but I couldn't get out of bed
I reiterated my struggle to get started with the day due to my mental state.
And I said
I prepared to express my thoughts clearly.
Oh-oh, oh-oh
A catchy refrain expressing urgency and emotion.
"You call it poison, but I call it rock and roll"
While some view my lifestyle choices as destructive, I embrace them as part of my musical identity.
I said
I affirmed my stance on how I perceive my experiences.
Oh-oh, oh-oh
A repeated declaration emphasizing my resilient attitude.
"You call it poison, but I call it rock and roll"
Again, I'm insisting that what some criticize is essential to my artistic expression.
The change of style felt out of place
I sensed that the shift in my personal style felt jarring or unnatural.
Got myself a suntan and a facelift for my face
I underwent physical alterations, seeking to enhance my appearance for acceptance.
Down to the cathouse, cruisin' in L.A.
I ventured into nightlife in Los Angeles, seeking excitement and alternative lifestyles.
Found myself a pretty girl with nothin' much to say
I encountered an attractive woman who seemed emotionally detached or silent.
Her conversation's like she comes from outer space
Her words and manner seemed completely alien or difficult to relate to.
Got legs and long hair but I couldn't see her face
While she had an appealing physical presence, her true identity eluded me.
And she said
She responded, maybe in a way that would mirror my own sentiments.
Oh-oh, oh-oh
Another emotional interjection that connects us in a moment.
"You call it poison, but I call it rock and roll"
She echoed the sentiment that lifestyle choices, often condemned, are actually expressions of freedom and art.
She said
This is her affirmation of the values expressed.
Oh-oh, oh-oh
A repetition reinforcing the connection through shared experience.
"You call it poison, but I call it rock and roll"
Her declaration aligns with mine, affirming our shared identity.
Kick it
Let's move forward with confidence and vigor.
I say to you, mon, don't let them take your music away
I urge you to preserve your artistic voice and not conform to societal pressures.
'Cause you might play what you wanna play
You have the right to express yourself freely through your music.
And you might say what you wanna say
You are entitled to speak your truth openly.
'Cause I must say
I feel strongly about this affirmation.
Bum-a-billy, bum-a-billy, bum-a-billy, bum
A playful, rhythmic chant reflecting carefree enjoyment.
Bum-a-biddly, bum-a-biddly, bum-a-biddly, bum
Another lighthearted chant that conveys a sense of unbothered joy.
Bum-a-billy, bum-a-billy, bum-a-billy, bum
Echoing the carefree attitude with rhythmic joy.
Bum-a-billy, bum-a-billy, bum-a-billy, bum
Reinforcing the playful and carefree exuberance.
It takes an hour backcombing my hair
I invest considerable time and effort into my appearance as part of my lifestyle.
Chilling out on heavy grass and picking clothes to wear
I often relax in a state of leisure, using substances and selecting outfits that reflect my lifestyle.
Look in the mirror, walk out on the street
After preparing myself, I am ready to face the public.
Bump into a policeman I didn't expect to meet
I encounter authority unexpectedly, which brings a sense of confrontation.
He said to me, 'Hey, are you some kind of red?
The officer questions my potential association with counterculture or rebelliousness.
Well, it looks to me, son, like you just got out of bed'
He perceives my disheveled appearance and the rebellious energy surrounding me.
And I said
I prepared to respond to his observation.
(Chorus)
A restatement of the core theme of the song in a communal expression.
Oh-oh, oh-oh
Repeating the core sentiments once again.
"You call it poison, but I call it rock and roll"
Reasserting that despite criticism, my lifestyle is a cherished form of expression.
I said
I maintain my position on my identity and choices.
Oh-oh, oh-oh
A final repetition that resonates with solidarity in rock and roll culture.
(Outro)
Concluding the song with an uplifting, rhythmic exchange.
Bum-a-billy, bum-a-billy, bum-a-billy, bum
The energetic and playful essence of living life unapologetically.
Bum-a-billy, bum-a-billy, bum-a-billy, bum
Reaffirmation of joy and carefree living.
Bum-a-billy, bum-a-billy, bum-a-billy, bum
Continued celebration of life’s vibrancy and music.
Bum-a-billy, bum-a-billy, bum-a-billy, bum
A joyful reminder to express oneself freely and fully.
Oh-oh, oh-oh
Final echoes of the song's themes, resonating with the listener.
Oh-oh, oh-oh
Reiterating the sentiments of solidarity and resilience.
Oh-oh, oh-oh
Closing with an uplifting refrain that embodies the spirit of rock and roll.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Spirit Music Group
Written by: John Christoforou, John David Holliday, Trevor David Steel, Milan Derek Zekavica
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Javier Ruiz Cueto
Remember being a child when this hit came out in the radio, I tape recorded and listen to it daily. I thought it was a heavy metal song but when I grew up I realized that it was a disco-danceable hit. Nevertheless it rocked. Great song.
The Escape Club
Thanks Javier
Keith Knight
Trevor and Johnny are good friends of mine. Not everyday someone of fame takes the time to talk with you. Great artists music is the bomb! Thanks guys for being my friend
Andre Reichenbacher
This was the lead single from their 1991 album Dollars & Sex. I was 13 then and I still love it to this day!
ThisIzTheEdge
I wasn't a big fan of TEC, but I did purchase this CD when it first came out because I was a HUUUGE fan of THIS song!! This song, this video - IT KICKS A$$! THis should have been a MAJOR HIT!
Lynn Marie Anderson
I've ALWAYS loved this song!!!!!!!☺💕💕💕
foxboro27
Damn, I love this song. No idea why it never became a hit.
JC
foxboro27 It’s still a mystery to this day
Big Guy’s 45’s
@JC This was a hit, just not a big one. Peaked as high as No. 44 on the Billboard Hot 100 Charts in 1991,
DC-Tiki
For some reason the opening lyrics of this song randomly popped up in my head this morning and I went on a big internet search to seek out where they came from as I couldn't remember how the chrous went and thus the song's name. Now I'm getting hit with all kinds of early 90s nostalgia having rediscovered this little blast from the past. Thanks for sharing!