6 Reasons Every Songwriter Should Listen to POISON by Alice Cooper

[@Jake-rv8td]

Finally! Someone who recognizes this song's greatness. I legit listened to this song on my way home from school. Every. Single. Day.

[@Paulojorge48]

So did I ...

[@bogse]

What did you learn in school today, main thing, best thing?

[@chrisdunnettmusic]

It's amazing...then again...Desmond Child ;)

[@lazlomattachine8334]

Desmond Child is a genius- What it Takes by Aerosmith is one of many, many examples of just what a great (and hugely varied) writer he is. Excellent video! Love the breakdown of the harmony

[@ronrocker7131]

Desmond writes lyrics, generally. But yeah, his lyrics are great.

[@chrisdunnettmusic]

ABSOLUTELY!

[@tomlegge4880]

I’ve always loved the chords to the middle bit, from “Tell me that you’re happy that you’re on your own”. Fantastic songwriter.

[@jakem1363]

Some days the KZbin algorithm just nails it and shows me something brilliant... this is one of those days! Great analysis mate 👍

[@dickduquesne]

my signature under this

[@damianobattaglia8944]

I used to play this piece of art (bass + backing vocals) with my cover band, and it was by far my favourite song, exactly becasue of the "reasons" listed in this video. What memories!

[@Adutchmaningermany]

Finally someone noticed this piece of art disguised as a rock song thingy.

[@wirrbel]

I still remember when and where I heard that song for the first time.

[@captainflappyarms8277]

Oh so rock songs aren't art anymore? I can't believe you have the audacity to think that you can choose what is and what is not art! People like you are what's wrong with society!👯👯👯

[@Adutchmaningermany]

@@captainflappyarms8277 You totally got the message! Thanks for your positive view on life, tou make the world a better place.

[@justinrosa4918]

Rock, Song, Thingy, Your too funny 😂

[@eoinjames4018]

Fantastic always loved the key changes the vocal harmonies the riff it just a great well rounded song

[@evracer]

This song checks all the boxes. It absolutely slams....and Alice's voice was perfect for it.

[@sergiosrx]

Blew my mind at 14, and blew my mind when i tried to play it on guitar a few years ago, incredible song and album 👏👏👏👏

[@davidbaines1425]

That was enthralling. What an amazing breakdown, presentation, explanation, and dedication to an amazing song. My friend had bought this album and I remember getting him to play it more than once each time.. Something about it, we were 11 or 12 so had no clue, but listening to how it is put together, with my now broader understanding of the basics of music.. The minor/major switches, the uneasiness until it hits the chorus, the sinister-ness, obvious in the subject, but also manifested by the chord choice.

[@thebitterbeginning]

So much of that song was intentional, well thought-out; nothing was happenstance. Thanks for unlocking this gem.

[@LeadSurge3000]

🤘🏼 *I'm a HUGE Alice Cooper fan; but, always figured this was just a simple pop throwaway so I didn't pay much attn. I'll have to check it out more closely now. Thanks!* 🤘🏼

[@AntoineFabri]

To be fair it's an overused chord progression and not very interesting melody, the only interesting thing is really the key changes, but it's catchy!

[@derekm3180]

@@AntoineFabri I feel like in the context of the time, it stood out pretty well. The hard rock scene was full of great musicians, but they were trending to this bluesy sound (thinking of bands like Cinderella, Tesla, etc). This felt a little more sophisticated to me at the time. I was all of 19 though 😅

[@lxathu]

It is a pop throwaway but it does not mean, a good musician cannot analyze it and find something positive in it.

[@thesoundresidence]

The background vocals are a study alone...

[@mikesteelheart]

@@AntoineFabri The main guitar part is very melodic though and quite unique for the time. It's actually a little Slash-esque. I think the biggest strength of that song are the "build-up" dynamics. It catches you, drops down then launches straight into a unexpected balls out arena chorus with orchestral keyboards.

[@hilbertshotel]

Always loved this song. Such great writing.

[@frankzelazko]

Thank you for deconstructing the song. Good job mate!

[@tjcaruthers5593]

If there was a top 40 rock hit on the radio in the 80s early 90s Desmond Child probably had his hands on it. This guy shits hits. He worked with everybody from the 70s rock/hard rock scene. If a band had issues writing that hit song the record label was looking for, they called Desmond Child.

[@AnthonyStatenMusic]

And if it wasn't Desmond, it was probably Diane Warren!

[@tomlegge4880]

Add Bruce Fairbairn as producer and you couldn’t really go wrong.

[@Petch85]

Over the years I have come back to this song again and again just because it is so fund to play. When I first played the chords they made no sense to me, it just seemed like a bunch of random cords in one long string. And it was just so fun to play. The riff is also just fun to play it just feels right. It is among my favorit riff to play together with the "killing in the name of" verse riff. 🥰

[@joshuakirkwood666]

That intro.... i have long loved this song. I discovered Alice In Chains one day whilst looking for Alice Cooper records. 1992 or so. My Stars and Public Animal #9 are probably my favorite A.C. songs

[@waldfreund27]

That song opened the door to the whole Rock universe to me when I was a kid.

[@Obi-WanKannabis]

I always knew this song was a masterpiece of songwriting, but I never could explain why, thanks for this, subscribed!

[@WineSippingCowboy]

Good 👍 analysis. Credits. Produced by Desmond Child. Written by him, Alice Cooper and John McCurry. High McDonald of Bon Jovi on bass guitar 🎸.McCurry on lead and rhythm guitar 🎸. Desmond Child co-wrote hit songs with Jon Bon Jovi and Richie Sambora, both from Bon Jovi, in 1986 and with Steven Tyler and Joe Perry, both in Aerosmith, in 1987.

[@joshuasturgeon9028]

I have been covering that song for a while now, and I clicked curious if I was going to learn anything. I definitely did! Thanks for a great video!

[@rob3040]

Man I loved this song from the first time I heard when I was in like…third grade.

[@Petch85]

Poison is such a good song and the production is insanely good. The 80's noise intro, then the guitar riff and then the huge and sharp snare drum followed by a very slow and low volumen first half of a verse. That is just an insanely cool way to start a song. I would love it if more modern songs tried to do something like this. (I do love the drum and guitar sounds on this track thus I might be biased 😂) I also like how easy it is to sing along with the song, how the guitar start each verse very low in volumes (1. vers I think is only bass) and then half way through adds the arpeggio building up for the pre-chorus and then playing the riff over the chorus. The song gets a little busy in the end, with multiple guitars playing on top of each other. But honestly if I was to ever wright a song as well as poison I would be very proud and happy with myself. I honestly think it is a masterpiece.

[@ainsleystones4600]

What a great choice sir! As a lifelong (mainly rock) songwriter and guitar teacher, I always hold this verse/ pre-chorus up as one of the finest I can think of in a commercially-successful song!

[@anthonylove821]

I loved hearing this during my years in high school. This is a song that never gets too old to listen to. It was a great song on an excellent album with many other great musicians who contributed…. One song that never got recognition was hell is living without you with Richie sambora on guitar. His guitar work was amazing as usual.

[@timw.7888]

That's awesome you studied this song. I've taken it apart too . I've always thought its something special . Good job and thank you..

[@cmdurham]

This video is brilliant. The Powerwolf cover of Poison has brought this tune - which I’ve always really loved - back into my orbit. Gonna learn to play this. Thanks!

[@MartinBlasick]

Those modulations haven’t been as common for the last 20 years. Perhaps more sophisticated harmony is due for a resurgence?

[@garycook4030]

I hope your right

[@SepticFuddy]

we could start by bringing back ANY semblance of melodic content at ALL, lol

[@PhilosophusMansisses]

Wow, what a great analysis of this song. I loved the song immediately, it sounded both familiar and strange to me.I felt that it wasn't chaotic but I couldn't see the patterns. Thank you very much for explaining the underlying mechanics of the song.

[@jdubbs9655]

Thank you for sharing this breakdown! This song has haunted my deep analyzation of writing ever since it was released. Desmond Child has influenced so many works throughout my life's journey with his moments of brilliance. It is good to see a breakdown of why this song has gripped me over the years, You have earned my subscription. "Keep Doing That Voodoo That You Do!"

[@kurotatsu81]

The bassline in Poison adds so much to what makes the song great as well. I was sorry you didn't bring it up.

[@MrHellfinger]

Yes. This 100%

[@christee5772]

Absolutely, started watching to see if it was going to get mentioned, won't bother watching it all now I've seen this.

[@felipegomes810]

Great video! I have tried to learn this song before, but found it really hard to memorize, because there are so many changes and I had no idea what was really going on. Now, thanks to you, I can see a lot of vi-IV-I-V being repeated. I guess it's time to pick up a guitar and play it again!

[@Petch85]

same

[@bentarpey8666]

One of the first songs i learned on the guitar. That epic intro is firmly embedded in my brain forever. What a great song, thanks for the breakdown.

[@gk6993]

Knowing all these things about theory is amazing in its own right. Combine this with this being my favourite Modern Alice Cooper song, and Described eloquently by a fellow Aussie. Awesome

[@georgeedward1226]

Chord progression reminds me of Boston's Peace of Mind.

[@nicholasvinen]

You're right - great pick up!

[@HenningUhle]

So, what you said doesn't stick to rock music. It is also valid for all other kinds of music, for example electronic music. "Poison" is a great example: It doesn't have to be the biggest hit in music history to be a role model. I had the same experience when I heard the song for the first time. I was around 15 years old, grown up in the GDR without any chance to can buy such a record and with a bit experience in playing drums. This song immediately hit me straight between the eyes. This is an awesome song. And I always thought: Well, there is something about it that makes it an absolutely outstanding song, no matter what kind of music. You've explained it perfectly, thank you. And the reasons you gave also apply to other kinds of music. Since 1992 until 2005 and again since the Pandemic, I make myself electronic music. The problem with electronic music is that you have to work much harder to transport emotions. You run quickly into the trap that you have a nice intro, a nice verse, and a nice chorus, and then you copy-paste the whole thing and make it boring. And "nice" is the right word. Creating something outstanding is absolutely key in these times where you are overwhelmed with music. And then you have "Poison" and you know: Well, you have to be much better.

[@TheColdHarshTruth]

Great vid, I feel you should have mentioned the BVs, they add massively to the melodic phrasing and timing and the overall harmony. Greetings from Aberdeen Scotland! Cheers! 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🍻

[@mathewprice2092]

Thank you for this. Proper opened my eyes

[@Asdrmusic]

More videos like this!! 🎸🤘❤️‍🔥

[@Cpt_Squizzle]

Another brilliant song on the album is Hell is Living Without You

[@davidfrasier2946]

I remember hearing this song for the first time back in ? 1989 and being mesmerized by it. First time I had really heard an Alice Cooper song. The writing is hypnotic.

[@HeriJoensen]

Great breakdown! Though I’d say the Dm is the one, Bb is the 6th, F is the 3rd and C is the 7th. You can be in a minor key, with a minor chord being the tonic, you know 🙂🎶

[@shaneholbeck6697]

What an absolutely fantastic video. 2 songs (apart from Stairway) that have always fascinated me how well written they are is Poison and "I want it all" by Queen.

[@thestrum71]

Construction of this song is genius!

[@kevino741]

This is awesome. Always liked the song, but had no idea there was so much going on.

[@richardarnoldsummers]

Great analysis. I particularly liked the section on melodic timing. I was trying to explain this kind of approach to my band, but couldn't explain it as well as you do here.

[@kwilde2387]

This has been my favorite Cooper song since I had the cassette.

[@barrycoulter6951]

Awesome explanation…i was interested in the progressions and how they related.. thx!

[@KnRonin]

I've always loved this song and your video made me appreciate it even more! Cheers!

[@ragearne]

Fabulous video. This explains why I like this song so much 🤘👍😊

[@shades_of_twine]

New here, but great analysis, and good to see someone else playing G&L! :)

[@kazkylheku1221]

The thing is there's so much parallel major minor in pop music that you get an ear for it and then latch onto the patterns which take you where you expect.

[@domenicbell2834]

Great show mate. yeah, The Coops' tunes, and this one in particular, the way it starts with the fazed keyboard 'Bssshhhhhh' and that killer opening lick, so many brilliantly subtle , smart twist and turns, layering , top editing and cutting the fat off, so much happening in so little time ,but it flows so easily and never outstays its welcome, or gets caught under its own wheels , so to speak..I was a bass player for a Coop tribute show around 89'90 in Melbourne and it was a workout alright, what a catalougue to get immersed in and learn from, just getting those key changes right and tight , the ghost notes, and the right feel, and no need to 'overplay'..His band and songwriters always went that extra mile to create fascinating , hook laden rock tunes , where no 2 songs sounded alike melodically or structurally, and whereas other of his contemporary's would have taken a much lazier , predictable route. Desmond Child and Bob Ezrin do not muck around.. Another great example of this would be "Might as well be on Mars' from Hey Stoopid, the chrordwork and solo lines that follow them on the outro are dazzling. Anyway , cheers and thanks for that mate.

[@TheBrettWilson]

The Coops 😂😂

[@stephenbaldassarre2289]

Another overlooked aspect that makes this song so brilliant is how the sentences in the prechorus (including backing vocals) don't conclude till the downbeat of the next measure, forcing the start of the next sentence to be 1/8 note later than expected. It adds to the sense of urgency.

[@budycelyn]

absolutely loved this song when it first released but then watching the trashes the world concert video and seeing the intro solo blew me away.

[@JasonAKAChewie]

Awesome breakdown I never thought about before. New subscriber and excited to watch and learn more!

[@rKAL-EL]

I always really enjoyed this song. It takes you on a journey!

[@gregrice1354]

Wow! Excellent presentation. My starting point here, - old guy like Alice Cooper, - he's long time favorite (I learned to drum from Killer and Billion Dollar Baby albums), started learning guitar more recently, i cut pasted some of the dozen major chords I knew, - so no skill or knowledge of song writing - just memories of tons of songs and knowledge of story structure, screenplay structure (like a few folks, I hear); This video of yours laid out the information like a great How-To manual but also broke down the Music Theory that has seemed like unknown Greek to me - until I saw your on-screen diagrams. - I realize that guitar chords are like fundamental chemical elements, as they are molecular building blocks of useful compounds of chemicals, but one needs to understand at least 3 aspects of each: - note label/pitch - like number of protons on molecule, their "weight" - variation of chord form - Major, Minor, Diminished, Augmented, Sharp/Flat, Suspended - something like the number of electrons, neutrons; - Scales - I"m still trying to understand relative to Key(s) - don't know enough Chemistry to make the metaphor any more thorough - but discovered some scientists have recently developed code and perception relationships to fundamental particles/elements! I guess my brain takes "the long way round the barn, to park the car inside it." Seriously, great job, makes me think I could delve into music/song composition more. Thanks again! Computer code that converts each element into a unique piece of music could provide a novel way to expand chemistry communication www.chemistryworld.com/news/musical-periodic-table-being-built-by-turning-chemical-elements-spectra-into-notes/4017204.article?.com

[@dwukMUSIC]

Another great analysis with points that I will try in my new songs. Thanks for sharing. David White. Leeds in the north of England.

[@migrantfamily]

Alice Cooper is alright I guess, but that ASAT! I’ve never seen them with a Nashville pickup configuration. Very nice indeed!

[@hugolafhugolaf]

Always liked that song. Great production from a great record at the junction of the golden age and tail end of the glam rock era.

[@buddyofjesus]

Thank you! This video was my Sunday morning morsel. ❤

[@thelolguy007]

Great video mate and well said. I sang it live one night and it went down very well so I thought I’d add it to my set. And sat down to learn it on guitar and within a few mins I was like ‘WTF is going on here?’ It’s definitely not your run of the mill standard stuff. You’ve just reminded me to get back to it actually

[@tiagoramalhais5493]

it is indeed an example of great songwriting, thank you for the amazing explanation.

[@parabot2]

I prefer Dick Wagners songs with Cooper , that guy was an animal of a song writer . Peter Gabriel , Lou Reed , Kiss , Aerosmith , AirSupply , the guy was a killer tune master .

[@TheBrettWilson]

For someone who knows a lot of names, I haven’t heard of Dick Wagner. Thanks for your comment 👍

[@Steve_ATL]

It is a Desmond Child song, so no surprise that it is amazing.

[@WolfgangRP]

Would really love you to do 'Winner Takes it All' by ABBA

[@zorantaylor3190]

This was a song I had to pay very close attention to to learn how to sing, even though I've only maybe done it live once. When I started preparing my now-annual Halloween karaoke fugue state as Alice Cooper last year, I just had to tighten up my performances of the LITD-through-WTMN songs I already knew like the insides of my own eyelids, but I thought it was only fair I investigate some of his later hits as well. I had barely listened to "Poison" at this time, even though I know every note of "Halo Of Flies", every word of "Generation Landslide", etc. I was stunned at how much more complex it was than I remembered. I think a good analogy would be to think of "Poison" as like a Springsteen song that got the "Life On Mars?" treatment. What Bowie did to "My Way" on that song is what happens to "The River" and "Because The Night" here. The structure becomes unsettled where it once pontificated on its own confidence. Not to mention the timing of the opening phrase of the second verse can REALLY throw you off, because it feels so abrupt after how drawn-out the initial intro was. Almost like the song is making up for lost time by turning what would normally be the 4 into the next 1, which also feels intentional. Great analysis!

[@ChrisHolden]

Thank you. A great description of why this is such a great song.

[@basstardo]

Just listened to the original for the first time in years. Really feels like something Ghost would cover!

[@SamnangPich-e1h]

Brilliant exposé. I am now subscribed.

[@halfindy]

Oh, nice! Your video came two weeks too late for greatest impact, Bennie. Just came over Open Studio’s Cush Chords video then and although Poison actually modulates without keeping the first chord the same. That concept made me think of the mystery of Poison which I could finally solve. Your part with moving the entry point of the vocals from 2 to 1& to 1 is noted though! Anyways great song analysis video to a great song. 🙌🏻

[@billovsky]

great analysis, thank you! always thought this song was simpler than it is...

[@MrMllx]

Thanks for covering this under rated classic

[@flyc0de389]

Excellent explanation, made a lot of things click into place. Man, I miss being able to bar chords like that, for some reason my fingers now wont let me, a slow but very bad pain starts building in the root of my fingers 'til I have to stop playing

[@raykeefe9253]

super helpful explanation for the song structure. And love the Tele with Strat like pickup placement.

[@JPM777]

Thanks for this wonderful analysis. Great job.

[@gdawwg1125]

One of my favourite songs of all time

[@grigthefirst]

Gold material!

[@TuncerYldz]

I listen every cover, every version, every isolated version. Poison is a gem mine.

[@musicproductionvideos5019]

So besides the intro.... the whole song is 6415 progressions... except for the end of the verse, where they use the V of the next modulation into the Pre. Interesting that they only used it that one spot... whereas many people would use the V of the new destination a lot more. From you overview, it's obvious that Desmond that day said "hey guys I have this idea for a song where the whole thing is this only one pattern... modulating over and over.

[@alexandretiberiuskirk3392]

The first time I heard this song I was in the car with my wife and it made me feel like when I was a teen and was deeply and feeverly in love with a girl I didn't had the guts to talk to. After that I devoted a lot of time listening to it and trying to figure out what the hell was going on with that song that made it feel that way. I tried many theories about these whole vi IV I V jumping around, trying to find the connection. It works between Dm and Gm but the guy just jump to Am and you're like "That brutal but its glorious" the only explanation I could find in my head: The composer was on the piano playing with this idea of jumping around with this progression, maybe said "I have to come back" and just forced a key that would made a connection and like God on genesis "saw that it was good" or he was just playing around tried and said "Damn!". And I say this because I once composed a song which I remember siting on the piano and looking for that grandiose moment and I was forcing the hand on the harmony to a poiny which I ended up modulating downward and It absolutely worked however I thought would be wierd to have a song that goes down at the end, so I kept forcing the hand and ended up with an excuse for a neopolitan 4th effect and it pleased so much. Maybe that's also a song that if it rose to that status people would be burning their brains trying to figure out what I did. Sometimes its amazing to find the explanation other times is just a guy "possessed"

[@timothyfote]

The songs main riff written by guitarist John McCurry used it two years earlier for a song recorded by John Waite called Encircled....produced by Desmond Child

[@notyetskeletal4809]

Thanks man! It felt like a rad song back then as a kid and even more so now.

[@dougshankle7946]

This is a really good lesson thanks for sharing.

[@manuelaguilar8060]

Beautifully explained.

[@NewFalconerRecords]

You're obviously a big fan of this song which is super-cool and I love your enthusiasm, but to me this song just never takes off. It musically frustrated me when it first came out and still does. The chorus is strong for sure, but I think it's too clever for its own good, but that's only my opinion. I saw Alice Cooper in Melbourne, Australia, when he was touring this album. He opened with a mini-set with no make-up and a leather jacket, just fronting his band. They did songs from whatever album this was from and ended with 'Poison'. Then a whole lot of lightshow things happened and the curtains opened and the huge Alice Cooper show happened with the snakes, the hanging, the dancers and the whole box and dice. Pure rock n' roll theatre. Such a dynamic class act.

[@misterskippy2u]

Thanks for deconstructing this one. Technically and sonically, it's a great song, though I always felt the lyrics fell a bit short and an ending just wan't there. I'd love to get your take of the Great White song "Rock Me" from 1987. That's another one of the few songs that I MUST listen to if I happen to stumble across it on the airwaves.

[@Barney_rubble983]

My grandmother bought this cassette in i think 1988, i was 5 years old. I thought i was a real badass with my walkman and my alice cooper cassette 😂😂

[@eddievanbasten1751]

I love Alice’s work and I love the Poison album, but the first time I heard the song Poison I thought someone had nicked the melody from Sweet Dreams by Eurythmics.

[@anikofecske5800]

Great staff, thanks a lot! 👍👍

[@stevenorman4190]

The intro riff is practically identical to Encircled by John Wait (1987).

[@MindGap-2020]

The song's main riff was written by guitarist John McCurry, who two years earlier had used it for the John Waite track "Encircled" - Wikipedia

[@allanhindmarch7323]

Cool breakdown mate 👍

[@leightnite3056]

Beato would be proud!

[@clown192]

And the original video is one of the best videos ever.

[@MusicbyMaggie]

The bridge of this song always scratches my brain the right way! A shame you didn't mention it

[@kappe_the_joker]

Great analysis! It all makes sense now.... if you know music theory! 😄 Thanks 💥

[@NoNameForThisGuy]

I've been a rock n roll dork since I was born ( a couple years before this song was), and this song is so undervalued that I actually learned it from a Top Gear episode. Or maybe it was one of Clarkson's specials.

[@yaroslavpatrikeev9134]

I remember seeing the clip on MTV in 2005 or smth. And it captivated me. The internet was poor then and instead of the actual recording I asked my dad to find a guitar pro .gp3 file and listened to it

[@whistlerwind7422]

Something interesting about this opening guitar riff. It was used earlier by John McCurry for a song he co-wrote with John Waite called "Encircled".

[@saku0207]

Not very hard to play but I regularly play this as a warmup. I think it’s a great song for beginners. Easy to learn but sounds great.

[@bluematrix5001]

That song is genius, specially the Pre Chorus