The song "Poison Ivy" by Buddy Guy tells the story of a woman who is described as being like poison ivy. The singer warns others, particularly men, to stay away from her because she is dangerous and can harm them. The lyrics suggest that this woman is someone to be feared and avoided. The line "Now cats don't touch that gal that bleeds / You'll get wasted down to your knees" implies that getting involved with her will lead to trouble and regret. The singer compares the woman to poison ivy, saying "Cause I'm like poison ivy / I'll break out all over you." This suggests that her influence or presence has a negative and harmful effect on people, similar to the rash caused by poison ivy. The second verse describes the singer's own experiences, where he needs assistance while shaving because he might harm himself. This could be a metaphor for the danger and unpredictability associated with the woman. In the third verse, the singer shares his experience with a violent encounter. He mentions that someone disrespected his niece, resulting in that person's demise. This event further demonstrates the woman's destructive nature and the consequences of crossing her. The overall meaning of the song seems to be a warning about the dangerous consequences of getting involved with this particular woman. The singer emphasizes that he doesn't like to brag or talk about what he will do, but others should be cautious because he is associated with this woman who wreaks havoc on those who cross her. Ultimately, "Poison Ivy" serves as a cautionary tale about the potential harm that can come from getting involved with someone who is toxic and destructive.
