Discover the heartfelt story and timeless appeal of Poison’s 80s hit Every Rose Has Its Thorn, the ultimate power ballad of love and loss.
The 80s was a unique era that redefined an entire generation. It was a decade full of big hair, leather bomber jackets, and big emotions. And, amid all of the chaos of her metal, and neon spandex, there was a song that was just so raw, so vulnerable, that it stopped us in our tracks. That song was Poison’s Every Rose Has Its Thorn. And, it was the quintessential 80s power ballad.
If you have ever sat in the dark, staring up at your ceiling, and feeling the weight of heartbreak, chances are that this song perfectly represented how you felt. Sure, the 80s were full of synthetic beats, guitar solos, and loud screaming lyrics, but this song was different. It wasn’t about rebellion or excess. Rather, Every Rose Has Its Thorn was about pain, beautiful, gut-wrenching pain.
It didn’t matter if you were living through a high school heartbreak, or just needed some time to reflect, this song was perfect for you. And, decades later, it still hits hard every time you hear it over the radio.

The Basics: What You Need to Know
Here’s the essential info on this iconic 80s masterpiece:
- Title: Every Rose Has Its Thorn
- Artist: Poison
- Genre: Glam Rock/Power Ballad
- Length: 4:20
- Chart Performance: Hit #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 (their only chart-topping single).
- Single Release Date: October 1988
- Album: Open Up and Say… Ahh!
The song itself was simple yet profound. And, it was the perfect blend of acoustic melancholy and arena rock. As a result, it stood out in a crowded field of heavy metal ballads.
The Lyrics: Heartbreak in Every Line
The lyrics are deceptively simple. Yet, despite all of that simplicity, they pack a huge punch, straight to the heart.
We both lie silently still
In the dead of the night
Although we both lie close together
We feel miles apart insideWas it something I said or something I did
Did my words not come out right
Though I tried not to hurt you
Though I tried
But I guess that’s why they say
Every rose has its thorn
Just like every night has its dawn
Just like every cowboy sings his sad, sad song
Every rose has its thorn
Yeah it doesI listen to her favorite song
Playing on the radio
Hear the DJ say loves a game of easy come and
Easy go
But I wonder does he know
Has he ever felt like this
And I know that you’d be here right now
If I could have let you know somehow I guessEvery rose has its thorn
Just like every night has its dawn
Just like every cowboy sings his sad, sad song
Every rose has its thornThough it’s been a while now
I could still feel so much pain
Like the knife that cuts you the wound heals
But the scar, that scar remainsI know I could have saved a love that night
If I’d known what to say
Instead of makin’ love
We both made our separate waysAnd now I hear you found somebody new
And that I never meant that much to you
To hear that tears me up inside
And to see you cuts me like a knife I guessEvery rose has its thorn
Just like every night has its dawn
Just like every cowboy sings his sad, sad song
Every rose has its thornEvery rose has its thorn
Just like every night has its dawn
Just like every cowboy sings his sad, sad song
Every rose has its thorn
The song itself is poetic, but not pretentious. The cowboy concept was a metaphor, and while he didn’t traditionally fit within glam metal ballads, it was pure genius. In fact, Bret Michaels wrote the words after a late-night phone call with his girlfriend went south. She ended up cheating on him, and the pain that he felt at the time was reflected in every single syllable of the song.
The verses themselves tell a story of regret and longing. The chorus is a catharsis that you can only get when you belt out the words at full volume. The song is about lost love, but also about acceptance. After all, life hurts, and sometimes, that is just how life goes.
Every Rose Has Its Thorn Is the Song for the Brokenhearted
Every Rose Has Its Thorn is the perfect song for the brokenhearted. During a period of time when hair was taller than most skyscrapers, and leather pants were tighter than they needed to be, glam metal dominated the airwaves. And, while most of it was loud, brash, and unapologetically fun, there were songs that slowed things down a bit. Every Rose Has Its Thorn was just that song.
And, the song wasn’t just for metalheads, it was perfect for everyone. After all, heartbreak was universal. After a breakup, teens would blast the song from the rooms. Adults hummed along while reminiscing about the many loves that have gone by. Even the toughest metalheads couldn’t stop swaying to the beat when it came over the radio.
Then of course there was the music video. The 80s was all about marketing, and MTV gave musicians a whole new outlet to introduce the world to their music. The video itself was a black-and-white montage of Bret Michael in a cowboy hat. The whole thing itself screams out loud, telling people that even the hardest metalheads had feelings two.
And, although most of the songs of the 80s faded into oblivion, Every Rose Has Its Thorn has remained fairly popular. From time to time it pops up in movies, TV shows, and even at karaoke night. And all because it was an essential power ballad of the 80s.

From Heartache to History
Bret Michaels wrote every word of the song in a laundromat. After going through a terrible call with his ex-girlfriend, finding out that she cheated on him, he was at a laundromat in Dallas, Texas, when he began to jot down the words.
The band itself was on tour, and Brett had just called his girlfriend back home. But, she didn’t answer the first time. So he called again. This time, he heard another man’s voice in the background. His feelings simply started to pour out, in words, and through the strings of his guitar. This simple moment created one of the greatest power ballads of all time.
Eventually, Poison would record the song as part of their Open Up and Say… Ahh! album. Initially, the band was unsure if the acoustic track would fit with their glam metal image. But, with a little bit of effort, their producer Tom Werman convinced them to simply go for it. And, it was an instant success.
The Reception and Legacy of Every Rose Has Its Thorn
Back when Every Rose Has Its Thorn was first released, it became an instant hit. The critics simply praised its vulnerability, and the fans couldn’t get enough of it. In no time, it flew to the top of the Billboard Hot 100 and became the band’s first and only number-one single.
Over the years, the legacy of the song has continued to grow. It has been covered by countless artists from Miley Cyrus to Joe Nichols. And, it has also become a karaoke staple. It is an essential song for anyone who is suffering from heartbreak and a bad relationship.
Ultimately, not only did the song cement Bret Michaels as a rockstar, but it made him the perfect glam metal storyteller. It showed to the world that behind the eyeliner and bandannas, was a person who had emotions and wasn’t afraid to share them with the world.
FAQ: Your Burning Questions Answered
Was “Every Rose Has Its Thorn” Poison’s biggest hit?
Without a question, Every Rose Has Its Thorn was the band’s only number-one single, and continues to remain their most iconic track.
Who wrote the song?
The song itself was written by Brett Michaels in a laundry mat in Dallas Texas, and was inspired by his own personal heartbreak.
Why is the song so popular?
The song features raw emotion and relatable lyrics. This makes it a timeless power ballad that simply resonated with the masses.
Has it been covered by other artists?
The song itself has been covered by countless artists. In fact, Miley Cyrus brought the song to a whole new generation. Others have also added their own spin to this timeless classic.

What’s with the cowboy imagery?
For those who are not aware, rock ballads and country music have a very close-knit relationship. The use of cowboy imagery by Brett Michaels was a nod to his love of country music and the storytelling that comes with it.
Why Every Rose Has Its Thorn Still Resonates
No matter how you look at it, Every Rose Has Its Thorn is about heartbreak. The song itself does not sugarcoat the pain, it reminds us that every beautiful moment comes with its own challenges. And, in the 80s, the song was a revelation. Mixed in with all the glitz and glamour of rock music, was real and unforgettable, raw emotion. Even today, it is still a go-to song for anyone who is nursing a broken heart.