Poison by Bell Biv DeVoe Lyrics Meaning – Unraveling the Cautionary Tale of Seduction and Deception

You can view the lyrics, alternate interprations and sheet music for Bell Biv DeVoe's Poison at Lyrics.org.

Lyrics

Yeah, Spyderman and Freeze in full effect
Uh-huh
You ready, Ron?
I’m ready
You ready, Biv?
I’m ready, Slick, are you?
Oh, yeah, break it down

Girl I must warn you
I sense something strange in my mind
(Yeah) Yo, situation is serious
Let’s cure it ’cause we’re running out of time
(Tell ’em Rick) It’s all so beautiful

Relationships they seem from the start
Yeah, it’s all so deadly
When love is not together from the heart
Check it out

It’s driving me out of my mind
That’s why it’s hard for me to find
Can’t get it outta my head
Miss her, kiss her, love her (wrong move you’re dead)

That girl is poison
Never trust a big butt and smile
That girl is poison (poison)

If I were you I’d take precaution
Before I step to meet a fly girl
You know ’cause in some portions
You’ll think she’s the best thing in the world

She’s so fly, she’ll drive you right out of your mind
Steal your heart when you’re blind
Beware she’s schemin’, she’ll make you think you’re dreamin’
You’ll fall in love and you’ll be screamin’ demon, ooh

Poison deadly moving it slow
Looking for a mellow fellow like DeVoe
Getting paid laid so better lay low
Schemin’ on house, money, and the whole show

The low pro hoe she’ll be cut like an afro
See what you sayin’ huh?
She’s a winner to you but I know she’s a loser
How do you know? Me and the crew used to do her

Poison, poison, poison, (poison) poison

(Poison, poison, poison, p-poison)
(Poison, poison, poison, p-poison, poison)
(Poison, poison, poison, p-poison)
(Poison, poison, poison, p-poison, poison)

I was at the park shake, bakin’, takin’ ’em off
And that night I played the wall
Checkin’ out the fellas the highs and lows
Keepin’ one eye open still clockin’ the hoes
There was one particular girl that stood out from the rest
Poison as can be, the high power chest
Michael Bivins here and I’m runnin’ the show
Bell, Biv DeVoe
Now you know, yo, Slick, blow

It’s driving me out of my mind
That’s why it’s hard for me to find
Can’t get it outta my head
Miss her, kiss her, love her (wrong move, you’re dead)

That girl is poison (poison, poison)
Never trust a big butt and smile (poison)
Poison (poison, poison)
She’s dangerous (poison)

Oh yeah (poison) oh yeah (poison, poison)
(Poison) Yeah fellas, that was another dope one
You know what I’m sayin’, Mike?
Yeah, B.B.D. In full effect
Yo’, wassup to Ralph T and Johnny G
And I can’t forget about my boy, B. Brown
And the whole NE crew
(Poison)

Ah-ooh

In an era where New Jack Swing held court on radio waves, Bell Biv DeVoe unleashed a track that would become emblematic of the time: ‘Poison.’ It was a song that pulsed with syncopated rhythms, a baseline alluring as a siren’s call, and a cautionary narrative that slinked its way into the collective consciousness of its listeners.

More than a dance floor anthem, ‘Poison’ offered a deeper narrative, one imbued with warnings about the dangers of deceptive beauty and the heady intoxication of infatuation. It’s a track that has stood the test of time, not only for its beat but for the tale it spun using the threads of R&B, Hip-Hop, and life’s timeless lessons.

A Cautionary Verse: Bell Biv DeVoe’s Ode to Love’s Pitfalls

Right from the opening lines, ‘Poison’ sets the stage for a tale of bewitchment and the dire consequences that follow. The group serves up their wisdom with the delivery of street-savvy prophets: aware, cautious, and driven by an imperative to warn. It goes beyond the simple retelling of love gone awry, painting a vivid picture of the psyche’s struggle when faced with irresistible allure.

This song embodies a narrative that is as old as time. It challenges listeners to look beneath surface-level beauty, to question the intention behind a smile that’s too bright, and to guard their hearts against the seductive poison that could be concealed behind a polished veneer.

The Beat That Binds: A Soundtrack to the Labyrinth of Desire

What makes ‘Poison’ so unforgettable is not just its narrative but the way Bell Biv DeVoe wraps that story in the unmistakable rhythm and beat that defined an era. The sound is a fusion of the pulse of R&B and the edgy tenacity of Hip-Hop, offering a backdrop to the lyrical lessons that is both haunting and hypnotic.

The song invites you onto the dance floor even as it tells a story meant to keep you cautious, feet moving to the beat in a physical echo of the internal war between desire and prudence. The song’s enduring appeal lies in this juxtaposition, a tune that you can’t help but move to, layered by warnings that tell you to watch your step.

Unveiling the Hidden Aesop: Archetypes and Modern Day Myths

Beneath the catchy hooks and danceable grooves, ‘Poison’ is a modern-day Aesop’s fable. The song’s protagonist serves as a cautionary archetype, warning against naivete and the peril of allowing oneself to be blinded by lust or beauty. It harkens back to mythological sirens whose enchanting music and voices led enchanted sailors to their doom.

Bell Biv DeVoe’s message is clear: the most beautiful creatures can harbor the most dangerous intentions. Alluring from afar, but lethal upon closer inspection. In this light, the song transforms from a simple ’90s hit to a narrative with enduring, timeless resonance.

Breaking Down The Iconic Chorus: An Anthem Against Superficial Seduction

The chorus of ‘Poison’ is a rallying cry that echoes in the minds of those who hear it, embedding a simple yet powerful message: ‘Never trust a big butt and smile.’ With these iconic lines, Bell Biv DeVoe distills the essence of their warning into a memorable mantra that sticks long after the song ends.

This line isn’t a shallow dismissal of physical attraction but rather a nuanced instruction to look deeper. It encapsulates the essence of the song’s cautionary tale: that the external is often a mirage, a façade that might conceal destructive intent, a sentiment that transcends the song and applies broadly to human experiences and relationships.

Echoes of a Cultural Phenomenon: ‘Poison’ and Its Lasting Legacy

Decades since its release, the influence of ‘Poison’ extends well beyond its golden era. It’s a cultural touchstone that captures the essence of an age, yet its message rings as true today as it did back then. Embodied in its rhythmic narrative are lessons about trust, temptation, and the importance of discernment.

The song doesn’t just function as a branch in the evolving tree of music; it serves as a conversation starter about the complexities of human interaction, trust, and the timeless struggle between the allure of the senses and the wisdom of the mind. It’s a testament to the powerful role music can play in not only reflecting but also shaping the way we navigate the world.