Meaning of "Poison Was The Cure" by Megadeth

The lyrics of "Poison Was The Cure" delve into the disillusionment and pain caused by a toxic relationship. The lyrics suggest that the singer was initially drawn to this person despite knowing they were dangerous, depicted as a snake. The line "Pulling out your poisoned fangs, the venom never goes away" reflects the inability to fully escape the emotional damage caused by the relationship. The references to a serpent swimming in the blood, dragons sleeping in the veins, and a roach egg laying in the brain all symbolize the presence of this toxicity within the singer's being. These metaphors paint a vivid picture of the internal conflict and suffering experienced, with the singer feeling trapped and manipulated. The line "Once stalked beneath your shadow, sleepwalking to the gallows" illustrates the feeling of being controlled and led astray by the person they loved. The phrase "I'm the sun that beats your brow in, 'til I finally threw the towel in" suggests the singer's attempts to assert themselves and stand up against the toxicity, even if it meant sacrificing their own well-being. The lyrics further reflect the loss of identity and dreams as the singer laments, "From a rock star to a desk fool, was my destiny, someone said." This line conveys the sense of defeat and resignation that often accompanies toxic relationships. Ultimately, the lyrics convey the idea that love can be a destructive force, leaving the individual feeling drained and defeated, as depicted in the closing lines, "In a whirlpool got redundant, my brain was just some driftwood, in a cesspool, I became dead." This song serves as a powerful reminder of the need to recognize and escape toxic relationships before they consume us entirely.