The Von Bondies were an alternative rock band which formed in 1997 in Detro… Read Full Bio ↴The Von Bondies were an alternative rock band which formed in 1997 in Detroit, Michigan, United States. The band's lineup often fluctuated, with the only constant members being Jason Stollsteimer (vocals, guitar) and Don Blum (drums). Other members of the band included Marcie Bolen (guitar, vocals), Carrie Ann Smith (bass), Leann Banks (bass) and Chrissy Hunt (guitar)

The band released three albums, "Lack of Communication" (2001), "Pawn Shoppe Heart" (2004) and "Love, Hate and Then There's You" (2009) before disbanding in 2011.

Poison Ivy
The Von Bondies Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Nothing can compare
Two weeks I stared
Hands, hand tied

I got an itch
I call her poison ivy
It can kill
Hey hey, oh well

I've got an itch
I call her poison ivy
It can kill
Oh, well

Poison ivy
Poison ivy
Poison, hey hey hey hey

Took my youth
Everything that ever meant something
Nothing comes between me and you
Most of my friends
Most of my friends
Are dead because of you

Poison ivy
Poison ivy
Poison, hey hey hey hey

I had no choice
But to love you
Poison ivy
Poison ivy
Poison ivy
Hey hey hey hey
Hey hey hey hey

Ooh ooh ooh ooh

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of The Von Bondies' song Poison Ivy depict a toxic and dangerous love despite its catchy and upbeat melody. The first stanza reveals the singer's complete infatuation with Poison Ivy, as he suffers from an "itch" and is entirely consumed by her. The second stanza suggests that Poison Ivy has taken away something valuable from the singer, perhaps his youth or his innocence. However, the singer still declares his love for her, even though most of his friends are dead because of their relationship. Poison Ivy appears to be a symbol of a destructive force that's fatal yet irresistible.

The song is an exploration of the idea that love is not always easy, and sometimes we cannot help but love someone who is bad for us. The repeated "hey hey hey hey" at the end of the song mirrors the playful tune of the song's title, which is ironic considering the serious tone of the lyrics.

Line by Line Meaning

Nothing can compare
There is no comparison to the feeling that has taken hold

Two weeks I stared
I have been captivated for two weeks straight

Hands, hand tied
Feeling powerless in the grip of your hold

I got an itch
I have a craving that needs to be fulfilled

I call her poison ivy
The object of my affection is dangerous and potentially harmful

It can kill
This attraction can lead to destruction

Hey hey, oh well
Accepting the risks that come with love

Took my youth
This love has robbed me of my childhood

Everything that ever meant something
All the things that were once important don't hold the same significance anymore

Nothing comes between me and you
No obstacle or person can stand in the way of my love for you

Most of my friends
Many of my companions