ROCK MOMENT – Poison ‘Something To Believe In’
Poison’s ‘Something to Believe In’ stands as one of the band’s most heartfelt and socially conscious songs, offering a striking contrast to their typical party-rock anthems. Released in 1990 on the album Flesh & Blood, the track showcased Poison’s ability to address serious issues while maintaining the melodic hooks that had made them a glam-metal phenomenon in the 1980s.
Written by Bret Michaels, C.C. DeVille, Bobby Dall, and Rikki Rockett, ‘Something to Believe In’ was inspired by the death of Michaels’ close friend and bandmate’s mentor, James Kimo Moffett, as well as broader social injustices. Lyrically, the song explores themes of loss, disillusionment, and the search for meaning in a chaotic world. Lines such as “Can’t forget the war on drugs” and “Where’s the peace we’re all hoping for?” reflect a conscious effort to address societal issues, marking a departure from the party-driven lyrics of earlier hits like ‘Nothin’ But a Good Time’ and ‘Talk Dirty to Me.’
The recording process, overseen by producer Bruce Fairbairn, emphasized a polished, arena-ready sound while preserving the emotional intensity of the lyrics. The track opens with a moody, atmospheric guitar line from C.C. DeVille, building into a soaring chorus supported by Bobby Dall’s melodic bass and Rikki Rockett’s dynamic drumming. Michaels’ vocals are delivered with both grit and vulnerability, giving the song a sincere and passionate tone.
Upon release, ‘Something to Believe In’ became one of Poison’s most successful singles, reaching number 4 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart and earning heavy rotation on MTV. The song also became a staple in live performances, often accompanied by extended guitar solos and audience sing-alongs that highlighted its emotional resonance.
‘Something to Believe In’ remains a defining moment in Poison’s catalog, demonstrating the band’s capacity to merge glam-metal theatrics with heartfelt reflection, and proving that even in the era of big hair and party anthems, rock music could carry a message of depth and personal meaning.
