Poison Ivy

The Coasters

About Poison Ivy

"Poison Ivy" is a popular song by American songwriting duo Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller. It was originally recorded by the Coasters in 1959. It went to #1 on the R&B chart, #7 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, and #15 in the UK. This was their third top-ten hit of that year following "Charlie Brown" and "Along Came Jones".


Year:
1987
2:47
96 

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She comes on like a rose but everybody knows
She'll get you in Dutch
You can look but you better not touch

Poison ivy, poison ivy
Late at night while you're sleepin'
Poison ivy comes a-creepin' around

She's pretty as a daisy but look out man, she's crazy
She'll really do you in
If you let her under your skin

Poison ivy, poison ivy
Late at night while you're sleepin'
Poison ivy comes a-creepin' around

Measles make you bumpy
And mumps'll make you lumpy
And chicken pox'll make you jump and twitch
A common cold'll fool ya
And whooping cough'll cool ya
But poison ivy, Lord'll, make you itch

You're gonna need an ocean of calamine lotion
You'll be scratchin' like a hound
The minute you start to mess around

Poison ivy, poison ivy
Late at night while you're sleepin'
Poison ivy comes a-creepin' around

Measles make you bumpy
And mumps'll make you lumpy
And chicken pox'll make you jump and twitch
A common cold'll fool ya
And whooping cough'll cool ya
But poison ivy, Lord'll make you itch!!

You're gonna need an ocean of calamine lotion
You'll be scratchin' like a hound
The minute you start to mess around

Poison ivy, poison ivy
Late at night while you're sleepin'
Poison ivy comes a-creepin' around

La da la da la da
La da la da la da
La da la da la da
La da la da la da

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The Coasters

The Coasters are an American rhythm and blues/rock and roll vocal group that had a string of hits in the late 1950s. Beginning with "Searchin'" and "Young Blood," their most memorable songs were written by the songwriting and producing team of Leiber and Stoller. Although the Coasters originated outside of mainstream doo wop, their records were so frequently imitated that they became an important part of the doo wop legacy through the 1960s. more »

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Written by: Jerry Leiber, Mike Stoller

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


12 facts about this song

Release Date
"Poison Ivy" by The Coasters was released in August 1959.
Chart Performance
The song reached number 7 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, making it one of the band's most successful singles.
Songwriters
The track was written by the famous songwriting duo Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, who wrote for other well-known acts such as Elvis Presley and The Drifters.
Different Interpretations
The song's title "Poison Ivy" serves as a metaphor. Some people interpret it as a cautionary tale about sexually transmitted diseases while others view it as a warning against deceptive women.
Cover Versions
"Poison Ivy" has been covered extensively by many bands and singers over the years such as The Rolling Stones, The Beatles during their early days, and even punk rock band The Von Bondies for their debut album.
Musical Style
The Coasters are known for their doo wop and rhythm and blues style, a genre combination highlighted in "Poison Ivy."
Sequels
"Poison Ivy" is actually the sequel to the song "Yakety Yak," which was a previous hit for The Coasters. The song "Along Came Jones" is considered the third installment of the 'teen trilogy'.
Pop Culture References
Over the years, the song has become a staple in various media, including films like Oliver Stone's "Platoon" and television series such as "The Simpsons" and "American Bandstand."
Re-Release
"Poison Ivy" was re-released in 1986 and again reached the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at number 64.
Inspiration for Future Songs
With its catchy tune and underlying humor, "Poison Ivy" has often been cited as an inspiration for future songwriters and bands, particularly those in the pop and rock genres.
Awards and Accolades
In 2019, it was announced that "Poison Ivy" was among the inductees into the Grammy Hall of Fame, solidifying its place in music history.
Related Song
Some music enthusiasts and critics often pair "Poison Ivy" with "Love Potion No. 9," another song written by Leiber and Stoller. Both songs share similar themes, narrative structure, and distinct musical styles.

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    Poison Ivy

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    Top Hot 100 Songs 1959

    Billboard #7


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