Every Rose Has Its Thorn

About

"Every Rose Has Its Thorn" is a power ballad by the American glam metal band Poison, released in October 1988. It was the third single from their second album, "Open Up and Say... Ahh!". The song's inspiration came from a personal experience of lead singer Bret Michaels, who wrote it after a distressing phone call with his girlfriend while in a laundromat in Dallas. The lyrics reflect themes of heartache and lost love, making it a relatable and enduring anthem. The song's success was monumental, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and becoming Poison's only chart-topping single. It was praised for its acoustic arrangement, contrasting with the band's typical high-energy performances. "Every Rose Has Its Thorn" has been ranked on several "best of" lists, including VH1's "100 Greatest Songs of the 80s" and MTV and VH1's "Top 25 Power Ballads". Its legacy continues to influence music across genres, with various cover versions and tributes over the years.