You’re bad for me
I clearly get it
I don’t see how something good could come from loving you
The death of me must be your mission
‘Cause with every hug and kiss, you’re snatching every bit of strength
That I’m gon’ need to fight off the inevitable
And it’s a heart-breakin’ situation I’m up in, but I can’t control
You’re just like poison
Slowly moving through my system
Breaking all of my defenses with time
You’re just like poison and I just don’t get it
How can something so deadly feel so right?
I’m not sure of what to do
It’s a catch 22
‘Cause the cure is found in you
I don’t want it, but I do
You’re just like poison
My affliction, I’m addicted, I can’t lie
Kiss me one more time before I die
You ain’t right, take me high
Then that high, it subsides
And my body flat-lines
Then you come to revive
Wait, wait, wait, I’m alive
But how long will it last?
Will it all come crashing down?
How many doses am I needing now?
What’s the prognosis, will you be around?
Or am I just another victim of an assassin that broke my heart down?
Baby, you’re just like poison
Slowly moving through my system
Breaking all of my defenses with time
You’re just like poison and I just don’t get it
How can something so deadly feel so right?
I’m not sure of what to do
It’s a catch 22
‘Cause the cure is found in you
I don’t want it, but I do
You’re just like poison
My affliction, I’m addicted, I can’t lie
Kiss me one more time before I die
It’s just not my body (no)
It’s my mind
You don’t know how many times I told myself this can’t do
And that I don’t need you (no, I don’t need you, no)
It’s so unfair
That I find myself right back in your care
And what’s good is that when you’re not always there
(There, there)
You’re no good for my health, my health
You’re just like poison (whoa, whoa, whoa)
You’re just like poison (whoa, whoa, whoa)
You’re just like poison
Slowly moving through my system
Breaking all of my defenses with time
You’re just like poison and I just don’t get it
How can something so deadly feel so right?
I’m not sure of what to do
It’s a catch 22
‘Cause the cure is found in you
I don’t want it, but I do
You’re just like poison
My affliction, I’m addicted, I can’t lie
Baby, kiss me one more time
You’re just like poison
Slowly moving through my system
Breaking all of my defenses with time
You’re just like poison and I just don’t get it
How can something so deadly feel so right?
I’m not sure of what to do
It’s a catch 22
‘Cause the cure is found in you
I don’t want it, do
You’re just like poison
I’m addicted, I can’t lie
Kiss me one more time before I die
The Irresistible Allure of Danger
In “Poison,” Beyoncé explores the intense, often paradoxical emotions that come with loving someone who isn’t good for you. The lyrics vividly portray a relationship that is as addictive as it is destructive, likening the lover to a toxic substance that slowly takes over the narrator’s mind and body. This sense of being drawn in against better judgment, yet unable to resist, is captured through metaphors of addiction and fatal attraction. The recurring motif of a “catch 22” underscores the internal conflict: the very person causing pain is also seen as the remedy.
Emotional Vulnerability and Conflict
Beyoncé’s vocal delivery amplifies the sense of vulnerability, as she confesses to both her weakness and dependency. The song delves into the psychological battle between self-preservation and the irresistible pull of love, making it deeply relatable for anyone who has struggled to let go of a relationship that feels both wrong and right. “Poison” stands out as a raw and honest depiction of the complexities of love and heartbreak.
Song Credits
“Poison” is performed by Beyoncé and was released in 2009. The song was written by Beyoncé Knowles, Johntá Austin, and Stargate. It was released under the Columbia label.