Song meaning of Poison by Shawn Christmas

The song "Poison" by Shawn Christmas delves into the toxic nature of a destructive relationship. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a love that is addictive and harmful, leaving the protagonist feeling trapped and powerless.

In the first verse, the singer acknowledges their own naivety and regrets not recognizing the signs of trouble sooner. They mention being seduced by the allure of the flashing lights and the lies that were fed to them. This is evident in the lines, "Another lover underneath those flashin' lights" and "Spewin' all of your red-hot lies." The use of the word "poison" in the chorus reinforces the idea that the love they are experiencing is detrimental to their well-being.

The pre-chorus reflects the internal struggle the protagonist faces, admitting that they can only blame themselves for falling into this toxic relationship. They are aware of the negative consequences but find it difficult to break free. This is highlighted in the lines, "What's the worst part of this hell? I can only blame myself."

The chorus serves as a powerful declaration of the protagonist's realization that they are being consumed by this poisonous love. They describe being addicted to the feeling, unable to resist swallowing more of the poison. The line, "Every night I'm livin' like there's no tomorrow," suggests a reckless and self-destructive behavior driven by their attachment to this toxic relationship.

In the second verse, the singer reveals that they have become adept at being dishonest and telling their partner what they want to hear. They have disconnected from their true selves and have lost their sense of identity. This is evident in the lines, "I got so good at bein' untrue" and "I disassociate, disappear."

The outro further emphasizes the suffocating nature of the relationship, with the singer feeling drowned and sick from the poison. They express a longing for something to live for, suggesting that the relationship has drained them of hope and purpose. The lines, "I'm fillin' up my glass but it's always hollow" and "Wish I had somethin' to live for tomorrow" encapsulate this sentiment.

Overall, "Poison" by Shawn Christmas is a poignant exploration of the destructive power of a toxic relationship. The lyrics vividly depict the struggle and helplessness experienced by the protagonist, serving as a cautionary tale about the dangers of falling into such harmful dynamics.