Strychnine
The Sonics Lyrics
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Some folks like wine
But i like the taste
Of straight strychnine (hey hey)
You may think it's funny
That I like this stuff
But once you've tried it
Wine is red (hey)
Poison is blue
Strychnine is good
For what's ailin you
WAHHH
Wine is red (hey)
Poison is blue
Strychnine is good
For what's ailin you
WAHHH
If you listen to what I say
You'll try strychnine some day
Make you jump, it'll make you shout
It'll even knock you out
Some folks like water
Some folks like wine
But i like the taste
Of straight strychnine
The Sonics's song "Strychnine" is a rock n' roll classic that celebrates the singer's preference for poison over more conventional drinks like water or wine. The lyrics appear to be a brazen celebration of the potential dangers of the titular substance, which is commonly used as a pesticide and can be deadly if consumed in large quantities by humans. The imagery is intentionally provocative, as the singer encourages listeners to indulge in something that is traditionally considered taboo or even dangerous.
Though the lyrics could be interpreted in a number of different ways, one possible explanation is that the song is a tongue-in-cheek critique of the conformity that characterizes modern society. The singer is rejecting the mainstream values of his contemporary culture and advocating for a more rebellious and individualistic approach to life. By embracing strychnine as his drink of choice, he is rejecting the puritanical restrictions on pleasure that govern much of society's attitudes about alcohol and drugs.
Overall, the song is a quintessential example of the rebellious and provocative spirit of early rock n' roll, and its lyrics continue to resonate with fans who appreciate its bold and daring attitude.
Line by Line Meaning
Some folks like water
People have different preferences when it comes to choosing beverages.
Some folks like wine
People may prefer to drink alcoholic beverages such as wine.
But I like the taste of straight strychnine (hey hey)
The singer expresses their preference for the taste of straight strychnine, a poisonous substance.
You may think it's funny
The artist anticipates that others may find their liking for strychnine humorous or strange.
That I like this stuff
The artist reaffirms their fondness for strychnine.
But once you've tried it
The singer believes that trying strychnine will change one's opinion about it.
You can't get enough (Woah!)
The singer suggests that strychnine is addictive and irresistible.
Wine is red (hey)
The artist compares the color of wine to the color of blood.
Poison is blue
The artist associates the color blue with poison.
Strychnine is good for what's ailin you WAHHH
The artist claims that strychnine has medicinal properties and can cure ailments.
If you listen to what I say
The singer encourages the audience to follow their advice.
You'll try strychnine some day
The artist is confident that the audience will eventually try strychnine.
Make you jump, it'll make you shout
The singer asserts that strychnine can produce energetic and exciting effects.
It'll even knock you out
The singer suggests that strychnine can also cause unconsciousness or sleep.
Some folks like water
The singer repeats the idea that people have different preferences for beverages.
Some folks like wine
The artist reiterates that some people may prefer wine over other drinks.
But I like the taste of straight strychnine
The artist concludes the song by stating once again their preference for the taste of strychnine.
Lyrics © MUSIC & MEDIA INT'L, INC.
Written by: J. ROSLIE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@steveritt
This question has driven me nuts for many years, maybe someone out there knows...
At the beginning of the classic rock&roll anthem "Strychnine" by The Sonics from 1965 we hear the spooky, deathly, graveyard melody which goes up the minor scale
B, D, F#, B, G (hold it), then down fast F#, E, D, C#, B . Does not actually include "the devil's note" flattened fifth but sounds menacing enough.
What piece of classical music does it come from?
Also to be heard at the end of Screaming Lord Sutch's 1964 live version of "Jack the Ripper" and maybe every other Scooby Doo episode! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c2ZsWENob1s
Earliest reference I can find is The Cadets "Love Bandit" from 1957, right at the start:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vGDtdZ6RVM8
@slint69
Some folks like water
Some folks like wine
But I like the taste
Of straight strychnine (hey, hey)
You may think it's funny
That I like this stuff
But once you've tried it
You can't get enough (Wow!)
Wine is red
Poison is blue
Strychnine is good
For what's ailin you
(guitar solo))
(repeat bridge and fill)
If you listen to what I say
You'll try strychnine some day
Make you jump, it'll make you shout
It'll even knock you out
[repeat verse 1]
Strychnine hey, hey
JUST SO YOU CAN SCREAM ALONG
@sartoris9439
Recorded in 1965. This song is more than 50 years old and rocks harder than most stuff you hear today. They were revolutionaries.
@Xceloverdose
It really is amazing.
@bellphorion
Hard as strictnine baby. Fuck that beatles fluff and even the doors went to lame horns, these guys had horns with attitude! Unlike the souless over produced late game doors...
@blakerateliff
@@bellphorion Hey man,, check out these guys. Smoko=smoke break LEAVE ME ALONE!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j58V2vC9EPc
@corkey1991
@@bellphorion shut up about Jim Morrison and his band. I appreciate everybody's opinion. But nobody talks trash about The fucking Doors, okay mister!?
@yodh_30
I know this song from a game named sift heads tho
@markfaris4735
Can any of us imagine hearing a band like this at a middle or high school dance melting faces? These guys were so good and revolutionary that few radio stations would touch them. That's a pure sign that their music is truly timeless and priceless!!
@jim2376
"few radio stations would touch them" Definitely the case for radio stations in Los Angeles when the record came out in 1965. Never heard this song once.
@samuelhernandez2752
"This is for blowing up my HQ."
-Vinnie
@nouveauprofil
What's the reference?