The second album, Joy 1967-1990, was released in 1990. A single taken from the second album, Special One, featured Kim Deal on backing vocals.
The last album, Rev, was released in 1992, and was performed by a band comprising Julian Klepacz (drums) and Jack Daley (bass) with Ralske on vocals and guitar.
Ralske has gone on to do solo work, and has also produced albums for such bands as Rasputina. He currently resides in New York City and is focused on a merging of video visual art and sound. One of his video display installations, MoMA display screens, is on permanent display in the lobby of the Museum of Modern Art in NYC.
Poison
Ultra Vivid Scene Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
give me a cure
give me some poison
'cause it might be pure
if you've found the snake that bites
you're half-way there
now say goodnight
repeat the question
give me a clue
tell me a story
'cause it might be true
yeah, but once upon a time
the choice to live a life of crime
some of my finest moments in the ring
and just before the count of ten
anticipating
when that bell will ring
any second now
well it is the season to kiss the floor
with thanks to poison all here assured
if you've found the snake that bites
you're half-way there
now say goodnight
goodnight
I must remind myself
to think bad thoughts
every single day and throw caution to the wind
now watch it drift away
just like yesterday
and that's the reason
that there is no cure
and where's that poison hiding out
I need still more
'cause the snake that bites was right
you're half-way there
now say goodnight
goodnight
goodnight
goodnight
The lyrics of "Poison" by Ultra Vivid Scene seem to be about the search for something that can bring relief, even if it is something toxic or dangerous. The singer is asking for a reason or a cure, but also for poison because it might be pure. This is a paradoxical statement that suggests the singer is willing to take a risk to find something true or effective. The repeated line "if you've found the snake that bites, you're halfway there, now say goodnight" seems to reference the idea that if you have identified the source of your suffering, you are at least halfway towards finding a solution, and you can rest or surrender to the outcome.
The second half of the song introduces the idea of crime or violence as a possible solution or outlet for the singer's frustrations. The line "some of my finest moments in the ring, and just before the count of ten, anticipating when that bell will ring any second now" suggests that the singer has found a sense of purpose or excitement in fighting, perhaps metaphorically or literally. However, this idea is tempered by the acknowledgment that there is no cure for the singer's problems, and that even bad thoughts or risky behavior may only provide temporary relief.
Overall, the lyrics of "Poison" are cryptic and impressionistic, leaving much to interpretation. They seem to be exploring the connection between suffering, risk, and the search for meaning or relief.
Line by Line Meaning
give me a reason
Provide me with a logical explanation
give me a cure
Provide me with a solution to what’s troubling me
give me some poison
Provide me with something harmful that may help me find the truth
'cause it might be pure
Suggesting that while poison is typically seen as negative, it may be the only thing that is sincere and clear in a muddy world
if you've found the snake that bites
If you've discovered the root of your pain
you're half-way there
You’ve made progress
now say goodnight
Bid goodbye to whatever was holding you back
repeat the question
Ask again
give me a clue
Provide me with a hint to solve the problem
tell me a story
Share an experience that might help me understand better
'cause it might be true
Suggesting that whatever story they're told may be real and relevant to their situation
yeah, but once upon a time
A traditional way of starting a story, used to illustrate how long ago an event occurred
the choice to live a life of crime
The decision to take a path that goes against the rules of society
some of my finest moments in the ring
Talking about past victories or accomplishments
and just before the count of ten
Referring to the end of a boxing round
anticipating
Waiting for something to happen
when that bell will ring
Waiting for the signal that marks the end of the round
any second now
Expecting something to happen soon
well it is the season to kiss the floor
A metaphor suggesting a time of defeat or failure
with thanks to poison all here assured
Acknowledging that the negative things in life may lead to progress or self-discovery
I must remind myself
An introspective way of acknowledging a personal realization
to think bad thoughts
Encouraging negative thinking
every single day and throw caution to the wind
Acting recklessly and taking risks
now watch it drift away
Allowing whatever was bothering you to fade away
just like yesterday
Suggesting that the problem will eventually become a memory
and that's the reason
Referencing the previous lines about the benefits of negativity
that there is no cure
Acknowledging that often there are no solutions to certain problems
and where's that poison hiding out
Wondering where the source of their pain really lies
I need still more
Not satisfied with their current understanding
'cause the snake that bites was right
Acknowledging that the snake or cause of their pain was genuine, despite being dangerous
goodnight
Repeating the phrase from earlier to suggest a final farewell to their problems
goodnight
Repeating the phrase again for emphasis
goodnight
Repeating the phrase one final time as a conclusive farewell
Contributed by Colton K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.