Poison Ivy

The Coasters' song 'Poison Ivy' is a playful yet cautionary tale about a woman who is as enticing as she is dangerous. The lyrics describe her as coming on 'like a rose,' a metaphor for her beauty and initial appeal. However, the warning is clear: 'You can look but you better not touch.' This line sets the tone for the rest of the song, emphasizing that while she may be attractive, getting involved with her will lead to trouble.

The chorus, with its repetitive 'Poison iv-y-y-y-y,' reinforces the idea that this woman is like the plant poison ivy—beautiful but harmful. The imagery of her 'creepin' around' while you're sleeping adds an element of danger and unpredictability. The song uses various ailments like measles, mumps, and chickenpox to compare the different kinds of trouble one might encounter, but it concludes that 'poison ivy, Lord'll make you itch!' This comparison highlights that the trouble she brings is not just superficial but deeply irritating and hard to get rid of.

The song also humorously suggests that dealing with her will require 'an ocean of calamine lotion,' a common remedy for poison ivy rashes. This line adds a touch of humor while underscoring the severity of the consequences. The Coasters use a blend of catchy melodies and clever lyrics to create a memorable song that serves as both a warning and a lighthearted take on the perils of falling for someone who is ultimately bad for you.