"Fallen Angel" by Poison

Watch out for Poison's "Fallen Angel," a cautionary glam metal tale from 1988's Open Up and Say... Ahh! This hit single tells the story of a small-town girl chasing Hollywood dreams, blending catchy rock with a narrative warning. Classic 80s Poison!

Released in 1988 as the second single from Poison’s massively successful Open Up and Say... Ahh! album, "Fallen Angel" delivered another dose of their signature glam metal sound. Combining driving rock rhythms with melodic guitar hooks from C.C. DeVille and Bret Michaels’ narrative vocals, the song quickly became a fan favorite and rock radio staple.

Supported by a popular music video illustrating its storyline, "Fallen Angel" (1988) showcased Poison's ability to craft compelling narratives within the glam metal framework. While still energetic, the song carried a slightly more serious, cautionary tone compared to their pure party anthems, adding depth to the Open Up and Say... Ahh! album.

SONG MEANING: "Fallen Angel" tells a cautionary story about a young woman leaving her small town ("West side of town") to pursue stardom in Hollywood ("California"). Initially full of dreams, she gets caught up in the potentially dangerous and disillusioning aspects of the fast life, losing her innocence and becoming a "fallen angel" struggling in the city's harsh reality.