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.

Released in 1988 as the second single from Poison’s massively successful Open Up and Say... Ahh! album, "Fallen Angel" delivered another dose of their signature glam metal sound. Combining driving rock rhythms with melodic guitar hooks from C.C. DeVille and Bret Michaels’ narrative vocals, the song quickly became a fan favorite and rock radio staple.

Supported by a popular music video illustrating its storyline, "Fallen Angel" (1988) showcased Poison's ability to craft compelling narratives within the glam metal framework. While still energetic, the song carried a slightly more serious, cautionary tone compared to their pure party anthems, adding depth to the Open Up and Say... Ahh! album.

SONG MEANING: "Fallen Angel" tells a cautionary story about a young woman leaving her small town ("West side of town") to pursue stardom in Hollywood ("California"). Initially full of dreams, she gets caught up in the potentially dangerous and disillusioning aspects of the fast life, losing her innocence and becoming a "fallen angel" struggling in the city's harsh reality.

Though appearing on Poison's 1986 debut Look What the Cat Dragged In, "Talk Dirty to Me" exploded as a single in 1987, launching the band into superstardom. Its irresistible mix of glam metal attitude, accessible pop metal structure, and infectious power pop chorus perfectly captured the sound that would dominate rock radio and MTV that year.

Kicking off with C.C. DeVille's instantly recognizable guitar riff, "Talk Dirty to Me" (single 1987) is pure fun-loving rock and roll. Bret Michaels' playful lyrics and vocals, combined with the song's simple, catchy structure, made it a massive hit video and concert staple. It defined Poison's party-rock image and remains a quintessential glam/pop metal anthem.

SONG MEANING: "Talk Dirty to Me" is a straightforward and playful expression of sexual desire, specifically the narrator's request for their partner to use exciting, suggestive, or risqué language. It's about the thrill and turn-on found in provocative words ("Talk dirty to me") during intimate moments, fitting the band's fun, hedonistic image.

Serving as the title track for Poison’s hugely successful 1986 multi-platinum debut album, "Look What the Cat Dragged In" announced their arrival on the scene in high style. This song is pure 80s Glam Metal and Hard Rock, characterized by C.C. DeVille’s memorable guitar riff, a driving rhythm section, and Bret Michaels' distinctive voice, embodying the fun, anthemic sound popular on the Sunset Strip.

"Look What the Cat Dragged In" perfectly encapsulated Poison's visual aesthetic and rock 'n' roll attitude at the time. The lyrics comment on someone making a less-than-pristine entrance, delivered with playful swagger typical of the band. While other singles charted higher, this title track remains a fan favorite and essential early Poison anthem, representing their energetic debut today, April 13, 2025.

SONG MEANING: "Look What the Cat Dragged In" uses the common idiom to comment playfully, perhaps somewhat judgmentally or humorously, on someone arriving looking disheveled, wild, or generally worse for wear ("Where ya been? / Look what the cat dragged in"). It reflects a party scene attitude, observing someone making a notably unkempt or unexpected entrance, fitting the band's image and lyrical style.

Released in 1988 as the lead single from Poison’s second album Open Up and Say... Ahh!, "Nothing but a Good Time" perfectly defined the band's upbeat glam metal style. Its driving rhythm and catchy chorus provided an anthem for escapism and fun. The song's high energy often gets it included on "workout song" lists.

"Nothing but a Good Time" (1988) became a massive Top 10 hit and an MTV staple, solidifying Poison's status as major glam metal stars. Featuring C.C. DeVille's energetic guitar riffs and Bret Michaels' enthusiastic vocals, the song’s simple message of prioritizing fun over work resonated widely, making it an enduring party rock classic.

SONG MEANING: "Nothing but a Good Time" is a celebration of escaping the boredom and pressures of daily work life ("My buddies and me are workin' all day") to simply cut loose and have fun. The lyrics champion prioritizing enjoyment, partying, and seeking a good time over responsibilities and the daily grind, embodying a carefree rock and roll attitude.

Featured on Poison’s multi-platinum 1988 album Open Up and Say... Ahh!, "Your Mama Don't Dance" was a highly successful cover of the 1972 Loggins and Messina classic. Poison put their distinct Glam Metal spin on the track, complete with powerful guitars and Bret Michaels' vocals, while honoring its essential Blues Rock and Rock and Roll foundation.

Poison's take on "Your Mama Don't Dance" climbed into the Top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming another major hit from their peak era, heavily promoted via its popular music video. The song's timeless theme of youthful rebellion against older generations' disapproval of their music and dancing resonated strongly, making it an enduring fun rock cover.

SONG MEANING: "Your Mama Don't Dance" describes a generational conflict centered around musical taste and dancing styles. The lyrics highlight the older generation's disapproval ("Your mama don't dance and your daddy don't rock and roll") contrasted with the younger generation's defiant desire to continue enjoying their preferred music and lifestyle ("When evening rolls around and it's time to go to town / Where do you go to rock and roll?").