About The Song
“Poison Ivy,” a 1959 hit by the vocal group The Coasters, is a deceptively simple song with a lasting legacy. This deep dive explores the song’s background, musical style, lyrical content, cultural impact, and enduring appeal.
Background
The Coasters, formed in Los Angeles in 1956, were one of the most successful vocal groups of the doo-wop era. Known for their energetic harmonies and playful humor, they scored hits with songs like “Yakety Yak” and “Charlie Brown.” “Poison Ivy” was released in 1959 on the Atco label, a subsidiary of Atlantic Records. The song was written and produced by Leiber and Stoller, a prolific songwriting duo who crafted numerous hits for The Coasters and other artists.
Musical Style
“Poison Ivy” is a prime example of doo-wop, a vocal style characterized by tight harmonies, prominent use of nonsense syllables (“doo-wop”), and a strong backbeat provided by drums and bass. The song opens with a catchy a cappella intro showcasing the group’s vocal prowess. The verses feature a simple yet effective chord progression and a driving rhythm section. The chorus explodes with energy, with the catchy “Poison Ivy, oh, poison ivy” refrain becoming an instant earworm.
The song incorporates elements of rock and roll, particularly in the driving rhythm and Carl Gardner’s energetic lead vocals. The saxophone solo adds a touch of sophistication and helps bridge the gap between doo-wop and the emerging rock and roll sound.
Lyrics
The seemingly simple lyrics of “Poison Ivy” use a metaphor to warn about a deceitful woman. The song describes a woman who appears beautiful and alluring (“She comes on like a rose”) but ultimately leads to trouble (“She’ll get you in Dutch”). The repeated line “You can look but you better not touch” reinforces the cautionary message.
However, the lyrics are not without humor. Lines like “Late at night while you’re sleepin’/ She’s liable to come creepin'” add a playful element to the warning. The song’s playful tone makes the message more palatable and memorable.
Cultural Impact
“Poison Ivy” was a smash hit, reaching number one on the R&B chart and number seven on the Billboard Hot 100. It helped solidify The Coasters’ place as one of the top vocal groups of the era. The song’s catchy melody and relatable theme resonated with audiences and became a classic of the doo-wop genre.
“Poison Ivy” transcended the doo-wop scene. Its playful warning about attractive yet troublesome women resonated with a broad audience. The song has been covered by numerous artists across genres, from rock bands like The Rolling Stones to R&B singers like Ray Charles.
The song’s cultural impact extends beyond music. The term “poison ivy” has become a colloquial term for someone who appears attractive but ultimately brings trouble. The song’s influence can be seen in films and television shows that use the metaphor to depict deceitful characters.
Conclusion
“Poison Ivy” is more than just a catchy song. It’s a cultural touchstone that captures the essence of doo-wop and its playful energy. The song’s simple yet effective lyrics continue to resonate with audiences, reminding us to be cautious of appearances.
The enduring appeal of “Poison Ivy” lies in its timeless message delivered in a fun and memorable package. It serves as a reminder of The Coasters’ influence on popular music and their ability to craft songs that are both entertaining and thought-provoking.
Video
Lyrics
🎵 Let’s sing along with the lyrics!Â
She comes on like a rose,
But everybody knows,
She’ll get you in Dutch,
You can look but you better not touch!
Poison Ivy,
Poison Ivy,
Late at night while you’re sleepin’,
Poison Ivy comes a-creepin’ around.
She’s pretty as a daisy,
But look out man, she’s crazy!
She’ll really do you in,
If you let her get under your skin!
Poison Ivy,
Poison Ivy,
Late at night while you’re sleepin’,
Poison Ivy comes a-creepin’ around.
Measles make you bumpy and mumps’ll make you lumpy,
And chicken pox’ll make you jump and twitch.
The common cold’ll fool you,
And whoopin’ cough will cool ya,
But Poison Ivy, Lawd, will make you itch!
You’re gonna need an ocean,
Of calamine lotion.
You’ll be scratchin’ like a hound,
The minute you start to mess around!
Poison Ivy,
Poison Ivy,
Late at night while your sleepin’,
Poison Ivy comes creepin’ around.
Measles’ make you bumpy and mumps’ll make you lumpy,
And chicken pox’ll make you jump and twitch.
A common cold’ll fool ya,
And whoopin’ cough can cool ya,
But Poison Ivy, Lawd, will make you itch!
You’re gonna need an ocean,
Of calamine lotion.
You’ll be scratchin’ like a hound,
The minute you start to mess around!
Poison Ivy,
Poison Ivy,
Late at night while you’re sleepin’,
Poison Ivy comes a-creepin’ around.
Ladadadadada [three times then fade]