Every Rose Has Its Thorn

Feel the heartbreak with Poison's iconic power ballad, "Every Rose Has Its Thorn." This massive 1988 #1 hit blended Glam Metal sentimentality with prominent Acoustic and Country Rock influences. Bret Michaels' heartfelt vocals and its poignant lyrics made it an unforgettable anthem of lost love for a generation.

Released in 1988 on Poison’s multi-platinum album Open Up and Say... Ahh!, "Every Rose Has Its Thorn" became their signature song and sole US #1 hit. While created by a leading Glam Metal/Hard Rock band, this power ballad distinctively incorporates strong Acoustic Rock elements and an undeniable Country Rock melodic structure and feel, setting it apart from typical hard rock anthems of the era.

"Every Rose Has Its Thorn" was a colossal global hit, defining the power ballad subgenre for late 80s glam metal more than perhaps any other song. Its theme of heartbreak and the bittersweet nature of love resonated widely. A karaoke staple and enduring classic rock radio favorite today, April 13, 2025, it remains instantly recognizable and deeply felt across audiences.

SONG MEANING: Inspired by a real-life heartbreak experienced by singer Bret Michaels (specifically, hearing another man's voice while calling his girlfriend), "Every Rose Has Its Thorn" uses the central metaphor that even something beautiful like love (symbolized by the rose) inherently comes with the potential for pain (its thorn). The lyrics reflect on a lost love, acknowledging the past good times but focusing on the current hurt and sadness of the separation ("I listen to our favorite song playing / On the radio / Hear the DJ say love's a game of easy come and easy go").