Throughout history, smoking has been a controversial and divisive topic. While some people view it as a harmless habit, others see it as a dangerous and addictive vice that should be discouraged. Nevertheless, smoking has been a prevalent theme in popular music, with countless songs dedicated to the subject. From country to rock to jazz, smoking has been explored in all genres of music, often serving as a metaphor for addiction, temptation, or rebellion. In this article, we will take a look at some of the most notable songs about smoking and explore how they capture the different aspects of this controversial habit. We will examine songs like “Smoke! Smoke! Smoke! (That Cigarette)” by Tex Williams and His Western Caravan, which takes a humorous and lighthearted approach to smoking, to more introspective and somber tracks like “Don’t Smoke in Bed” by Nina Simone, which explores the pain and heartbreak that can be caused by addiction. We will also explore how smoking has been used as a symbol for rebellion and counterculture, with tracks like “Cigarettes and Coffee” by Otis Redding and “Cigarettes & Alcohol” by Oasis. Ultimately, this article will showcase how smoking has been used as a potent and multifaceted theme in popular music, capturing both the pleasure and pain that comes with this controversial habit.
1. Smoke! Smoke! Smoke! (That Cigarette) – Tex Williams and His Western Caravan
“Smoke! Smoke! Smoke! (That Cigarette)” is a classic Western swing song performed by Tex Williams and His Western Caravan. The song’s catchy melody and upbeat tempo, accompanied by the twang of steel guitars and fiddles, are contrasted with lyrics that caution against the dangers of smoking. The song features playful wordplay and humorous rhymes, such as “They’re gonna raise the tax on smoking / So they can keep the army truckin'” and “The other day I chanced to meet / An old friend on the street / He tipped his hat and drew his seat / And said he wanted to rap a little bit.” With its catchy chorus that encourages listeners to “Smoke, smoke, smoke that cigarette / Puff, puff, puff and if you smoke yourself to death / Tell St. Peter at the Golden Gate / That you hate to make him wait / But you’ve just gotta have another cigarette,” the song remains a classic example of the Western swing genre and a testament to the power of a good hook.
2. I Can’t Forget – Leonard Cohen
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“I Can’t Forget” is a soulful ballad written and performed by the legendary Leonard Cohen. The song’s gentle acoustic guitar and piano accompaniment provide a backdrop for Cohen’s signature gravelly vocals, as he delivers his introspective and melancholic lyrics. The song explores themes of love and loss, regret and longing, as Cohen sings about his struggle to forget a former lover. The chorus, with its simple yet poignant repetition of the phrase “I can’t forget,” drives home the emotional weight of the song. The sparse yet effective instrumentation, coupled with Cohen’s haunting vocals, create a haunting atmosphere that is both somber and beautiful. As with much of Cohen’s work, “I Can’t Forget” showcases his unique ability to capture the complexities of human emotion in his music, making it a timeless classic that continues to resonate with audiences today.
3. Lipstick Traces on a Cigarette – The O’Jays
“Lipstick Traces on a Cigarette” is a soulful R&B track by The O’Jays. The song opens with a driving beat and a catchy guitar riff that sets the tone for the rest of the song. The powerful vocals of the group are on full display, with harmonies and call-and-response sections adding to the dynamic sound of the track. The lyrics tell a story of a man who discovers his lover has been cheating on him, and he finds evidence of her infidelity in the form of lipstick traces on a cigarette. Despite the song’s serious subject matter, the upbeat melody and driving rhythm make it impossible not to tap your foot or dance along. “Lipstick Traces on a Cigarette” is a classic example of the soulful sound of The O’Jays, and a testament to their ability to infuse even the most heart-wrenching stories with energy and groove.
4. Don’t Smoke in Bed – Nina Simone
“Don’t Smoke in Bed” is a bluesy ballad performed by the legendary Nina Simone. The song opens with a simple piano melody, which sets the mood for Simone’s powerful vocals to take center stage. The lyrics caution against the dangers of smoking, using vivid imagery to illustrate the negative effects it can have on one’s life. The melancholic tone of the song creates a sense of introspection and reflection, as Simone sings about the regrets and heartbreak that can come from bad habits. As the song progresses, the instrumentation builds, with strings and percussion adding depth and emotion to the already powerful vocals. “Don’t Smoke in Bed” is a prime example of Simone’s ability to convey complex emotions through her music, and her masterful interpretation of the song’s lyrics make it a timeless classic.
5. Smoke Rings – Sam Cooke
“Smoke Rings” is a jazz standard performed by the legendary Sam Cooke. The song opens with a sultry saxophone solo, which sets the mood for the rest of the track. Cooke’s smooth vocals glide over the instrumentation, adding to the dreamy atmosphere of the song. The lyrics tell a story of a person watching smoke rings and reflecting on lost love, with lines like “like our love they fade away” painting a picture of the fleeting nature of relationships. The lush instrumentation, with its gentle piano and subtle guitar, create a romantic ambiance that perfectly complements Cooke’s soulful delivery. “Smoke Rings” is a classic example of the jazz-infused R&B that Cooke was known for, and a testament to his ability to make any song his own with his unique style and emotive vocals.
6. Cigarettes and Coffee – Otis Redding
“Cigarettes and Coffee” is a soulful ballad performed by the legendary Otis Redding. The song opens with Redding’s rich and emotive vocals, which set the tone for the rest of the track. The lyrics tell a story of a man who can’t help but return to a former lover, and the small rituals of cigarettes and coffee that accompany their meetings. The instrumentation is understated, with a simple guitar riff and subtle organ, allowing Redding’s vocals to take center stage. As the song progresses, the instrumentation builds, with the addition of horns and percussion adding to the emotional intensity of the track. “Cigarettes and Coffee” is a prime example of Redding’s ability to convey complex emotions through his music, and his powerful delivery makes it a timeless classic in the soul genre.
7. I Hope That I Don’t Fall in Love With You – Tom Waits
“I Hope That I Don’t Fall in Love With You” is a melancholic ballad performed by the gravel-voiced Tom Waits. The song opens with a sparse arrangement, consisting of Waits’ distinctive vocals and a simple piano melody. The lyrics tell a story of a man observing a woman in a bar, and the trepidation he feels about the possibility of falling in love with her. The imagery is vivid, with lines like “the room is crowded, people everywhere, and I wonder should I offer you a chair” painting a picture of a crowded bar and the awkwardness of approaching someone. As the song progresses, the instrumentation builds, with the addition of a gentle guitar and a subdued drumbeat. “I Hope That I Don’t Fall in Love With You” is a poignant and introspective track, with Waits’ distinctive voice and raw emotion making it a standout in his extensive discography.
8. Sugar Mountain – Neil Young
“Sugar Mountain” is a wistful and nostalgic song performed by the legendary Neil Young. The track opens with a gentle acoustic guitar and Young’s soft vocals, which gradually build in intensity as the song progresses. The lyrics tell a story of a young man reflecting on the passing of time and the bittersweet memories of youth. The chorus is particularly memorable, with the lines “Oh to live on Sugar Mountain, with the barkers and the colored balloons” painting a vivid picture of a bygone era. The instrumentation is simple yet effective, with Young’s guitar and vocals at the forefront, accompanied by a subtle bassline and percussion. “Sugar Mountain” is a touching and poignant track, with Young’s emotive delivery and evocative lyrics capturing the essence of nostalgia and the fleeting nature of youth.
9. Sunday Morning Comin’ Down – Johnny Cash
“Sunday Morning Coming Down” is a classic country song performed by the legendary Johnny Cash. The track opens with a gentle acoustic guitar and Cash’s rich baritone vocals, which immediately set the tone for the rest of the song. The lyrics tell a story of a man waking up alone on a Sunday morning, feeling hungover and disconnected from the world around him. The imagery is vivid, with lines like “the beer I had for breakfast wasn’t bad, so I had one more for dessert” painting a picture of a man grappling with his demons. The instrumentation is understated, with the guitar and Cash’s vocals at the forefront, accompanied by a subtle bassline and percussion. “Sunday Morning Coming Down” is a poignant and introspective track, with Cash’s powerful delivery and emotive lyrics making it a standout in his extensive discography.
10. Stuck Inside of Mobile With the Memphis Blues Again – Bob Dylan
“Stuck Inside of Mobile With the Memphis Blues Again” is a classic Bob Dylan track that showcases his unique lyricism and songwriting. The song opens with a catchy guitar riff and Dylan’s signature nasally vocals, which immediately draw the listener in. The lyrics are surreal and abstract, with Dylan weaving a tale of a man who finds himself stuck in the titular city, grappling with a variety of bizarre and surreal characters. The imagery is vivid, with lines like “the senator came down here, showing everyone his gun” painting a picture of a world that is simultaneously strange and familiar. The instrumentation is lively and energetic, with the guitar, bass, and drums all working together to create a dynamic and engaging sound. “Stuck Inside of Mobile With the Memphis Blues Again” is a standout track in Dylan’s extensive catalog, showcasing his unique style and storytelling abilities.
11. America – Simon & Garfunkel
“America” is a poignant and evocative track performed by the iconic duo Simon & Garfunkel. The song opens with a gentle acoustic guitar and Paul Simon’s soft vocals, which immediately set the tone for the rest of the track. The lyrics tell a story of a journey across America, with Simon and Garfunkel painting a picture of the country and its people through vivid imagery and storytelling. The chorus is particularly memorable, with the lines “I’ve come to look for America, all along the way” capturing the sense of wonder and discovery that comes with traveling. The instrumentation is understated, with the guitar and vocals at the forefront, accompanied by subtle percussion and backing vocals. “America” is a timeless and classic track that showcases Simon & Garfunkel’s unique songwriting abilities and enduring popularity.
12. Jesus, Etc. – Wilco
“Jesus, Etc.” is a soulful and introspective track performed by the American rock band Wilco. The song features a mellow and calming instrumentation, with acoustic guitar, piano, and subtle percussion forming the backbone of the track. Jeff Tweedy’s vocals are gentle and soothing, delivering introspective and thoughtful lyrics that contemplate life, love, and spirituality. The chorus is particularly memorable, with the repeated refrain of “Jesus, don’t cry, you can rely on me, honey” providing a sense of comfort and reassurance. The song is both introspective and universal, grappling with the complexities of the human experience while providing a sense of solace and hope. “Jesus, Etc.” is a standout track in Wilco’s extensive discography, showcasing their unique blend of folk, rock, and alternative influences.
13. Cigarettes & Alcohol – Oasis
“Cigarettes & Alcohol” is a high-energy rock track performed by the British band Oasis. The song features driving electric guitars, pounding drums, and Liam Gallagher’s distinctive vocals, which are brash and confrontational. The lyrics are rebellious and provocative, with Gallagher proclaiming his love for cigarettes and alcohol as a form of escapism and rebellion against the status quo. The chorus is particularly catchy, with the lines “Is it worth the aggravation to find yourself a job when there’s nothing worth working for?” capturing the sense of frustration and disillusionment that many young people feel. “Cigarettes & Alcohol” is a classic rock anthem that captures the spirit of youth and rebellion, and has become a staple of Oasis’s live performances.
14. Reefer Man – Baron Lee & the Blue Rhythm Band
“Reefer Man” is a jazz and swing track performed by Baron Lee and the Blue Rhythm Band. The song features a lively and upbeat instrumentation, with horns, drums, and piano creating a frenetic and joyful atmosphere. The lyrics are playful and humorous, referencing the slang and culture surrounding marijuana use in the 1930s. The chorus is particularly catchy, with the lines “Have you ever met that funny reefer man, a reefer man?” inviting listeners to sing along and join in on the fun. “Reefer Man” is a classic example of the jazz and swing music of the era, and captures the sense of joy and liberation that many people felt during the Great Depression. The song has since become a staple of jazz and swing music, and remains a beloved classic today.
April Johnson is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
