Poison Whiskey

Album: Pronounced Leh-nerd Skin-nerd (1973)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • "Poison Whiskey" is about the effects of alcoholism, which is a bit ironic since Lynyrd Skynyrd played almost every concert under the influence of alcohol.
  • Johnny Walker, as mentioned in the lyrics, is a Scotch whiskey that comes in four types: red label (basic), black label (12 year), gold label (18 year), and blue label (very top shelf).
  • An acoustic version sung by Johnny Van Zant appears on their album Endangered Species. >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Aaron - Twin Cities, MN, for all above
  • This song is track 3, side 2, of Lynyrd Skynyrd's landmark first album. Their producer, Al Kooper, was initially nervous about the band name, and begged them to change it. When they wouldn't budge, he devised a clever ad campaign before the first album release, in a bid to drive the name of the band into the public's mind. He designed a skull head and a bones-styled typeface, and took out ads in music trade magazines and major-city alternative weekly newspapers, with an ad that simply said "Who is Lynyrd Skynyrd?" Each week, the size of the ad grew and held a few more details, until finally it became a huge two-page ad on the day of the album's release.

    Soon after the MCA ad campaign, Pete Townshend of The Who dropped by MCA studios looking for an opening act for the Quadrophenia tour. Who should they find but the hot, young and eager Lynyrd Skynyrd. Thanks to the lucky coincidence of their first album's ad campaign, it looked like they'd planned to tour with The Who the whole time!

Comments: 8

  • The Man from EverywhereGood southern rock
  • Stuart from ScotlandI'm surprised the distillery didn't sue, lol.
  • Alan from Rochester, NyI had always interpreted this as being about the special dangers of moonshine as much as the dangers of alcohol in general.
  • Alan from Rochester, NyI suppose this really would be a serious issue for good ol' boys such as the Skynyrd members. I wouldn't doubt if the writers were reflecting on practical experience.
    Interesting how they juxtaposed the name of a legit brand of whiskey
  • Oldpink from New Castle, InGreat cautionary tale, and a nice bit of work with the keyboards and guitars synchronizing so tightly.
  • Rozan from San Diego, CaA hidden gem from their first album.
  • Chris from Milford, CtThis song very much resembles the James Gang's "Funk #49" but nevertheless is still a great skynyrd tune.
  • Norbert from Oaklahomacity, Orthis is an abscure Skynyrd tune but it is my favorite
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Prince

PrinceFact or Fiction

Prince is shrouded in mystery, making him an excellent candidate for Fact or Fiction. Is he really a Scientologist? Does he own an exotic animal?

Alan Merrill of The Arrows

Alan Merrill of The ArrowsSongwriter Interviews

In her days with The Runaways, Joan Jett saw The Arrows perform "I Love Rock And Roll," which Alan Merrill co-wrote - that story and much more from this glam rock pioneer.

Van Dyke Parks

Van Dyke ParksSongwriter Interviews

U2, Carly Simon, Joanna Newsom, Brian Wilson and Fiona Apple have all gone to Van Dyke Parks to make their songs exceptional.

Jesus Christ Superstar: Ted Neeley Tells the Inside Story

Jesus Christ Superstar: Ted Neeley Tells the Inside StorySong Writing

The in-depth discussion about the making of Jesus Christ Superstar with Ted Neeley, who played Jesus in the 1973 film.

Amy Grant

Amy GrantSongwriter Interviews

The top Contemporary Christian artist of all time on song inspirations and what she learned from Johnny Carson.

Janis Ian: Married in London, but not in New York

Janis Ian: Married in London, but not in New YorkSong Writing

Can you be married in one country but not another? Only if you're part of a gay couple. One of the first famous singers to come out as a lesbian, Janis wrote a song about it.