"Cry Tough" by Poison

Stand up and "Cry Tough" with Poison! This high-energy opening track from their explosive 1986 debut album Look What the Cat Dragged In perfectly sets the Glam Metal stage. It’s pure 80s hard rock attitude, delivering catchy riffs and a bold message of streetwise resilience.

Kicking off Poison’s multi-platinum 1986 debut album Look What the Cat Dragged In, "Cry Tough" served as the perfect introduction to their sound and was actually their first single release in the UK. This track embodies the energetic Glam Metal and Hard Rock style that launched the band, featuring C.C. DeVille’s driving guitar hooks and Bret Michaels’ signature vocals.

"Cry Tough" delivers a clear message of streetwise resilience and maintaining a hardened attitude, especially when facing adversity ("'Cause baby it's a rough neighbourhood"). It helped establish Poison’s image right from the start of their massively successful debut record. While other singles achieved greater chart success later, "Cry Tough" remains a fan favorite showcasing the raw energy of early Poison today, April 13, 2025.

SONG MEANING: "Cry Tough" is essentially an anthem about adopting a hardened, resilient attitude to navigate difficult circumstances or environments ("'Cause baby it's a rough neighbourhood"). The lyrics advise the listener (or perhaps the singer is psyching himself up) to "stand up," project strength, not show vulnerability ("never let 'em see you cry"), and essentially "cry tough" as a necessary means of survival or getting through tough times.