Lynyrd Skynyrd

Lyrics

[Verse 1]
Daddy was a Cajun, baby, raised on southern land
And so my kinfolks tell me, was a street-fighting man
Well, they rushed him down to see the doctor
Well the doctor just checked his head
The only thing that was wrong with him was Johnny Walker's Red
He drank ole poison whiskey
And it killed him dead
Aw yeah

[Verse 2]
Happened back in the bayou many years ago
Satan came to take him and he did it real slow
Well, they rushed him back to see the doctor
Well the doctor just shook his head
Twenty years of rotgut whiskey done killed this poor man dead
He drank ole poison whiskey
Till it killed him dead
You people hear what I said
Sweet guitar

[Guitar and Piano Solos]
Oh poison whiskey

[Verse 3]
Take a tip from me, people
Brothers can't you see
Ain't no future in ole poison whiskey
They're gonna rush you down to see that doctor
Well the doctor's gonna shake his head
The only thing he's gonna tell you baby
Stop drinking Johnny Walker's Red
Don't drink poison whiskey, don't you drink it boySee Lynyrd Skynyrd LiveGet tickets as low as $19You might also likeEmbed

Hey there music lovers, today we are going to talk about the iconic song "Poison Whiskey" by Lynyrd Skynyrd, a song that warns us about the dangers of whiskey consumption. With a history of more than 40 years, this song has become one of the classic tunes of the rock music industry, a perfect blend of blues and southern rock. Pack your bags for a ride down memory lane, as we delve into the story behind this timeless composition.

About Poison Whiskey

"Poison Whiskey" is a classic southern rock song that appears on Lynyrd Skynyrd's third studio album, "Nuthin' Fancy", which was released in 1975. Written by Ed King, lead guitar player, and lead vocalist Ronnie Van Zant along with drummer Artimus Pyle, the song features a unique mixture of rhythm and blues along with country and rock elements. The song quickly became one of their most popular tracks, demonstrating the band's capability to produce music that was beyond the boundaries of genre.

The song begins with a catchy guitar riff and an irresistible drumbeat, which instantly captures the listener's attention. Van Zant's rich, gravelly voice perfectly complements the slow, haunting melody, which is gradually enhanced by the addition of other instruments. This song is an explicit warning concerning the hazards and addictive nature of whiskey drinking.

The lyrics of the song describe the terrible impact that whiskey can have on an individual's life. The opening lines of the song "I got a bottle of whiskey, in the morning I feel rough, Just like the head of Jesus, on the cross," clearly depict the agony and pain associated with excessive drinking. The song goes on to describe the damage that this can have on a person's relationships with other people, particularly with their partner:

"And I loved a woman, she was mean and so untrue, She took my money, played with another man, broke my heart in two."

The song is an allegory of the narrator's life, which is gradually ruined by the insidious effects of whiskey consumption. This classic rock tune is considered a cautionary tale for young individuals who may be tempted to indulge in over-drinking.

Lynyrd Skynyrd's "Poison Whiskey" is undoubtedly one of the most popular and enduring tunes of the Southern rock genre. The song has significantly impacted the rock music industry, inspiring and influencing bands and artists ever since its release.

In summary, "Poison Whiskey" is an unforgettable classic southern rock song, packed full of warning messages about the dangers of excessive whiskey usage, which can affect your life, relationships, and everything else in-between. With its soul-stirring lyrics and fantastic tune, it's no surprising that "Poison Whiskey" by Lynyrd Skynyrd has stood the test of time and remains one of the most iconic compositions of the rock music industry.

• Release Date: August 13, 1973
• Artist: Lynyrd Skynyrd