The Story Behind “Coasters Poison Ivy Lyrics“

ONEYEARMUSICWAR – Hey there, music buddy! Let me tell you about one of my all-time favorite doo-wop classics – “Poison Ivy” by The Coasters. This funky little number has been a constant companion on my travels around the world as a touring musician.

Lyrics

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 get 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.
The common cold'll fool you,
And whoopin' cough will cool ya,
But Poison Ivy, Lawd, will 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 your sleepin',
Poison Ivy comes 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 whoopin' cough can cool ya,
But Poison Ivy, Lawd, will 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.

Ladadadadada [three times then fade]

The Doo-Wop Kings of Comedy

But first, a little background on The Coasters. This vocal group from Los Angeles was the kings of doo-wop comedy in the late 50s and early 60s. Led by the hilarious songwriting duo of Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, they gave us such Side-splitting hits as:

• “Yakety Yak“
• “Charlie Brown“
• “Along Came Jones“

Their unique blend of doo-wop harmonies and satirical, comedic lyrics made them a one-of-a-kind act that’s still influencing artists today.

Poison Ivy: A Raunchy Riff on a Classic Theme

Released in 1959, “Poison Ivy” became an instant doo-wop classic. The song’s humorous premise? A guy warning his friends about the dangerous effects of a particularly persuasive femme fatale.

Just listen to these unforgettable opening lines:

“Poison Ivy, Poison Ivy

Late at night while you’re sleepin’

Poison Ivy comes a-creepin’ around”

Right off the bat, you get that trademark Coasters wit and double entendre. “Poison Ivy” is obviously a metaphor for a seductive woman. But it’s delivered with such goofy, over-the-top urgency that you can’t help but crack up.

Lyrics That’ll Make You Blush (and Groove)

As the song goes on, the risque lyrics just get better and better. The tongue-in-cheek warnings about Poison Ivy’s “pretty green eyes” and “curvaceous trunk with the color of punk” had me rolling on the floor laughing the first time I heard it.

Yet at the same time, the infectious doo-wop groove and sublime lead vocals make you want to get up and dance. It’s musical comedy gold that perfectly captured the edgy yet innocent vibe of late 50s youth culture.

Lyrics Analysis Table

Section	Lyrics	Analysis
Chorus	“Poison Ivy, Poison Ivy Late at night while you’re sleepin’ Poison Ivy comes a-creepin’ around“	The chorus lays out the “Poison Ivy” metaphor in an over-the-top, comedic way while establishing the doo-wop groove.
Verse 1	“Hungry fellas, better keep still One of you don’t say you will Soon you’ll take a walk in the briars And you’ll scratch your,ankles“	Clever double entendre warning guys not to go after Poison Ivy, culminating in the barely censored reference to “scratching” a delicate body part.
Bridge	“You’re gonna need an ocean Of calamine lotion You’ll be scratching like a hound The minute you start to mess around“	Continues the “poison ivy” extended metaphor of getting “rashes” from romantic dalliances, plus a sly reference to male arousal.

An Evergreen Hit for the Ages

“Poison Ivy” was an instant smash when it came out, hitting #7 on the Billboard charts. But its real legacy has been as an eternal party classic and comedy/doo-wop landmark covered by everyone from The Clovers to The Revivors.

Whenever I’m backstage before a gig or just chilling on the tour bus, throwing on “Poison Ivy” is the perfect way to get loose and put a smile on my face. Those upbeat rhythms and hilarious one-liners never get old!

Whether you’re a diehard doo-wopper, comedy music junkie, or just someone who loves an insanely catchy tune, “Poison Ivy” by The Coasters needs to be on your playlist. It’s pure, unadulterated joy from the golden era of rock ‘n’ roll fun!

So crank up those speakers, my friends! This vintage classic is like a fruity wine that just gets better with age. I’ll drink to that!