HomeThe Civil WarsSong Meaning of "Poison & Wine" by The Civil Wars

Song Meaning of “Poison & Wine” by The Civil Wars

Song Details

  • Album Release Date: 2011-01-01
  • Album Name: Barton Hollow

Song Meaning (Interpretation) of “Poison & Wine” by The Civil Wars

The song ‘Poison & Wine’ by The Civil Wars tackles the difficult topic of a destructive relationship. The singer views the relationship as being a necessary for them to grow, no matter how painful it actually is. The lyrics suggest that, although the relationship is toxic, the singer chooses to stay in it and resists the urge to run away. The singer sees the relationship as both a ‘poison’ and a ‘wine’ – a combination of sweetness that offers a temporary escape from reality but ultimately will hurt them in the long run. The pain of the relationship is an all-consuming force in the singer’s life, but is seen as a necessary evil to gain and learn from. The song suggests that the singer has given up the fight against the dark and dangerous relationship as they do not want to let it go, no matter how destructive it is to them.

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