"The Girl Had Syphilis" by Harley Poe is a dark and cautionary song that tells the story of a man who meets a woman at a pool party and is instantly attracted to her. Despite his internal warning signs, he becomes enthralled by her physical appearance and engages in a sexual encounter without taking proper precautions. The lyrics highlight the impulsive and irresponsible nature of the man, as he disregards his conscience and allows his desire to override his better judgment. The mention of thinking with his "weenie" emphasizes his decision-making being driven solely by sexual desire. The consequences soon become apparent as it is revealed that the woman has syphilis, a sexually transmitted infection. The man becomes infected as well, regretting his decision and questioning whether the temporary pleasure was worth the lasting consequences. The song also hints at the promiscuous nature of the woman, suggesting that she may have infected other men in a similar fashion. The narrator reflects on the inevitability of life's consequences and ultimately concludes that the man deserved the outcome due to his irresponsible actions. Overall, "The Girl Had Syphilis" serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of impulsive decisions driven by physical attraction and the potential consequences of risky sexual behavior.
