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Lyr Req: Anti-smoking songs
In Mudcat MIDIs:
My Last Cigarette
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Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Anti-smoking songs From: George Papavgeris Date: 09 May 09 - 07:02 AM My first reaction was to cut you some slack, Bob - and that might have remained so despite the 13 postings (11 of them identical, with no attempt to "topicalise" them, which shows some serious disregard for others!). But your statement that you "write traditional British songs" (in your posting on the traditional song thread) went beyond disregard and risibleness to being downright offensive. A quick apology might cover it. I still support your right to promote yourself. But not to cover me with thoughtless blanket marketing that treats me like a fool. We are not sheep, Bob. I would have said "Put that in your pipe and smoke it", but given your strong feelings on the subject perhaps I won't. |
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Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Anti-smoking songs From: George Papavgeris Date: 09 May 09 - 07:14 AM By the way - good song, and good voice (on MySpace). Maar, wat doet jij in Antwerpen, een van de mooiste staden in het wereld? De groeten aan het Schelde! |
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Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Anti-smoking songs From: Stringsinger Date: 09 May 09 - 10:15 AM longhair, I don't like perfume either but it doesn't cause cancer and lung damage. Anyone defending smoking today is living in the Dark Ages. Frank |
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Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Anti-smoking songs From: fumblefingers Date: 09 May 09 - 06:20 PM Jimmy Martin did one called "I Can't Quit Cigarettes" I'll look for the words, but first I'm goin' for a smoke. |
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Subject: Lyr Add: I'LL DO MY SMOKING IN THE RAIN (parody) From: Bluegrassman Date: 09 May 09 - 07:41 PM Here is a good song to sing in the Leper Colony on a cold wet night to the tune of the Everly Brothers, I`ll do my crying in the rain. I'LL DO MY SMOKING IN THE RAIN I'll never let you see The way my coughing lungs are hurting me I got my pride and I know how to hide Every nicotine stain I'll do my smoking in the rain Slip out in stormy skies Then smoke and cough till I get tears in my eyes Where I have been looks like a disaster scene Just cigarette butts remain I do my smoking in the rain I love you more than heaven But our relationship is never enough So when we are together I pray for stormy weather I hide the packet and go out for a puff. Someday when my coughing is done I'll wear a minty smile and walk in the sun. I may be a fool but till the end darling you 'll Never see me complain I'll do my smoking in the rain. |
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Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Anti-smoking songs From: George Papavgeris Date: 09 May 09 - 09:50 PM A wonderful parody, even if I say so myself... Has it really been two years (June 2007) since the smoking ban in England? |
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Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Anti-smoking songs From: Allen in Oz Date: 10 May 09 - 07:03 PM Not really applicable to this thread, but readers might be interested to learn that the wonderful contribution made by cigarette companies in Australia to the World War 2 effort was to give free cigarettes to the armed forces. Thus ensnaring an entire generation to smoking . Very clever. Nice chaps. Allen |
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Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Anti-smoking songs From: McGrath of Harlow Date: 11 May 09 - 07:06 PM Curious the difference in attitudes when it comes to activities a minority of people enjoy which carry a certain risk to health. I mean, if someone had started a thread asking for "Anti-gay-sex songs"... |
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Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Anti-smoking songs From: GUEST,janet Date: 09 Jun 09 - 06:56 AM might as well give up now cos heavens a smoke free zone |
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Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Anti-smoking songs From: GUEST,guest Date: 24 Sep 09 - 01:10 PM (from oldtime song Greasy Coat) -- I don't drink I don't smoke I don't wear no greasy coat I don't smoke and I don't chew I don't go out with girls that do (it's a great fiddle tune and song) |
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Subject: Lyr Add: SMOKERS ARE SCUM (C. Denney) From: GUEST,guest Date: 27 Dec 09 - 12:37 PM Smokers Are Scum; 12-25-09, by C.Denney (a holiday song; gentle commentary on one of the obvious perils of street performing) I play the street fairs I play from the heart fiddle and guitar and squeezebox for art we play for the old folk we play for the bums but we don't play for smokers cause smokers are scum smokers are scum smokers are scum they know they're addicted they know smoking's dumb they know that exposure is deadly to us but they're hoping we're stupid and won't make a fuss smokers are addicts they know smoking kills they're too frigging lazy to smoke somewhere else what's the big problem with walking away I wish their smoking would kill them today smokers are fools smokers are fools they shill for tobacco like industry tools making us share their addiction's a farce take your stupid cigarette and shove it up your arse don't light up near me because if you do I got a squirt-gun and my aim is true folks think they're helpless but I say they're not pick up some bug spray give smokers a shot smokers are stupid and ugly and dumb smokers expose you cause they think it's fun they won't smoke elsewhere because it's too tough smoking will kill them but not fast enough (bridge) it gets in your clothing it gets in your hair cause asthma cause cancer but smokers don't care the deep inconvenience of walking away it too hard for smokers and that's why I say pick up some bug spray some air freshener too don't let a smoker light up next to you their rights have ended where your lungs begin pick up your squirt-gun and baby you win they'll poison your street gig they'll poison your lungs they won't put on patches or just chew some gum they're screwed-up and stupid and ugly and dumb they'll poison their mothers cause smokers are scum (coda) be glad it's just bug spray instead of a gun (…hold…) they'll poison their mothers cause smokers are scum |
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Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Anti-smoking songs From: Donuel Date: 28 Dec 09 - 11:48 AM old tobacco, that old tobacco it just keeps killin cuz folks are willin to keep on smokin they keep on smokin away. phlegm they're coughin, could fill a coffin They'll burn your house down from ash they're droppin that old tobacco just keeps killin away. Buy those smokes, and you will choke You'll get a cancer that ain't no hoax smoke or chew, they'll both kill you Get a little drunk and the heart fails too-ooo. old tobacco, that old tobacco it just keeps killin cuz folks are willin to keep on smokin they keep on smokin away. ( a few words I threw together to the tune of Old Man River.) best sung by a countra bass with a cough. PS smokers are neither stupid or scum. |
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Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Anti-smoking songs From: GUEST Date: 28 Dec 09 - 12:44 PM Smokers who smoke in street fairs near other people are scum- the song makes the context clear in the first verse. |
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Subject: Lyr Add: NON-SMOKER'S LIBERATION FRONT ANTHEM From: GUEST,BF Date: 01 Jan 10 - 12:51 PM THE NON-SMOKER’S LIBERATION FRONT ANTHEM Words and music by Don Lange. As recorded by [Doug] Freeman & [Don] Lange on “Freeman & Lange,” Flying Fish #011, 1975.
Keep on smokin’ that cigarette, you crazy fool.
Why should you give a damn about cancer? We all got to go sometime.
Keep on doin’ your consumin’ best for the good old USA.
[Spoken:] Now, if we ask you kindly not to smoke, please don’t think that we’re mean.
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Subject: Lyr Add: WITH MEN WHO KNOW TOBACCO BEST From: Jim Dixon Date: 07 Jan 10 - 02:50 PM This song is a sequel, apparently, to SMOKE! SMOKE! SMOKE! (THAT CIGARETTE), which was written by Merle Travis and Tex Williams, and recorded by Tex Williams. The lyrics have been posted above. The verse is recited in exactly the same rhythm as the earlier song. The chorus, however, is adapted a bit to squeeze more syllables into each line. You can hear this song at http://78records.cdbpdx.com/. (Follow instructions on that page to get to the "main music page.") WITH MEN WHO KNOW TOBACCO BEST Written by Lou Busch and Charles Hayes As recorded by Tex Williams and His Western Caravan, on Capitol 40276, circa 1949-50. 1. Now I heard tell about a guy who smoked So doggone much he up and croaked, And now he's restin' six feet underground. He'd stop a red-hot poker game, A pettin' party with a beautiful dame, To light a cigarette to calm him down. I used to be just like that guy. I had to have a smoke or die. For nicotine, I'd even hock my boots. But then I stopped. I'd had enough. I vowed I'd taken my last puff. I found a brand-new brand that really suits. CHORUS: With men who know tobacco best, it's women two to one. Ask any man who's made the test which product gets the gun, And if this fellow's a manly guy, You can bet your shirt that he'll reply: "With men who know tobacco best, it's women two to one." 2. Now I was quite a connoisseur. I knew tobacco, that's for sure. I tried most ever' kind of nicotine. I've smoked a pipe, a cigar too, Some tailor-mades, and rolled a few, And as a kid I smoked the coffee bean. But then I met a man one day, His face was old, his hair was gray, And upon his frame his clothes so loosely hung. He listened to me brag awhile 'Bout cigarettes, then with a smile, He said, "My boy, get wise while you're still young." 3. While sittin' in a bar one night, I asked a lady for a light. My cigarette had gone and lost its flame. She looked at me from head to toe, Said, "I don't smoke, but goodness knows I just love to play those parlor games." I said, "No, thanks, I'd rather smoke." And then and there I thought she'd choke, But then she started smilin' with delight. I moved to leave. She said, "Sit still." And as she moved in for the kill, Said, "Son, I've got good news for you tonight." |
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Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Anti-smoking songs From: An Buachaill Caol Dubh Date: 08 Jan 10 - 11:33 AM Yes, George Papavgeris, and smoking was banned in public places a year earlier, in Scotland; earlier still in Ireland, though as one common amendment to billposters advertising this has it, "It is illegal to smoke [tobacco] on these premises". Come all ye good folk who can take a good joke, Cast a coin in the poke as I'm strumming the lyre: While I sing, ye may smoke all ye like, till ye choke: Like a "pig going to hoke", or to rowl in the mire, Take a last, fiery drag of a dirty ould fag Till ye cough like a hag and ye spit oan the flair -- Till the Western horizon is grey wi' the poison, Like incense arisin', when Priests are at prayer. (First verse of a song "commemorating" these bans; "like a pig going to hoke", or dig, is a proverbial way of saying someone is absolutely determined to do something, no matter how ill-advised, and will not be dissuaded or prevented). |
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Subject: Lyr Add: LUNG CANCER (Randy Stonehill) From: mousethief Date: 31 Jan 10 - 11:24 PM I always wonder that the old dears that gave us prohibition never turned their sights on tobacco. What a much more productive interlude that might have been. Short but sweet: Lung Cancer Randy Stonehill she went down to the corner store and bought a pack of filter kings don't you know tomorrow she'll be back for more 'cause she really loves to smoke those things and every time that she inhales a cloud of that cigarette smoke she's just one step closer to the man in black and sixty cents closer to broke and she's working on lung cancer, emphysema, a cardiac arrest and she'll probably have a stroke when see sees the x-rays of her chest when she had her first cigarette a puff or two was all she could take now if she doesn't have one in her hand all the time you'll notice it begin to shake (shake baby) and even though she's nonchalant and acts as if her habit's a joke she won't do too much laughing when her life goes up in smoke she's been smoking that C-I-G-A-R-E-T-T-E that cigarette's got her on her knees C-I-G-A-R-E-T-T-E that darn tobacco won't set her free oh run, suck, baby, suck suck on that cigarette go on and light up that fag and take a drag it's bound to snuff you yet O..O =o= |
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Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Anti-smoking songs From: GUEST Date: 28 Jul 10 - 03:31 PM The craving Got is for a smoke Is ever pending My sight is bleak It is such a joke Reading into it brings me doubt I cannot do this again It is to hard Nothing good will amount Once I take a puff the idea of having another hits me It is such a tragic event I have had enough |
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Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Anti-smoking songs From: GUEST Date: 14 Sep 10 - 03:49 AM There is another verse that has been omitted from Sheila Hancock's song, which starts with her calling out to a male friend/partner "Sidney, run down the shop and get me a packet of menthol King Size. I want to feel like a cool mountain stream! ". . . The missing verse goes something like: My teeth are all yellow And so is my tongue I breathe through a kipper I call it a lung! But I'll give up the habit, I will even yet, When I've had just one more cigarette! I loved that record as a child, it amused us all at home, ghoulish humour but we were very unsophisticated in those far off days! We loved Sheila Hancock's husky voiced delivery of her lines, accompanied by lots of coughing and bit of thin reedy warbling! A typical addicted smoker who is always "going to give up after just one more cigarette"! prettypolly |
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Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Anti-smoking songs From: Jim Dixon Date: 11 Nov 11 - 09:52 AM This is one of the best ones I've heard, posted in another thread: ADVERTISING MAN by David Wilcox. |
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Subject: Lyr Add: A MERRY PROGRESS TO LONDON (broadside) From: Jim Dixon Date: 09 Feb 22 - 02:56 PM The text below is copied from a broadside at the English Broadside Ballad Archive at the University of California at Santa Barbara—but I have modernized the spelling (and to some extent, the punctuation) and added verse numbers. It is from the Pepys collection. Ewan MacColl recorded this song on “Broadside Ballads, Vol. 1 (London: 1600-1700)” (1962); you can hear it at YouTube. He omitted verses 5, 7-8, 10, 13-15, and 17, as I have indicated by enclosing those verses in brackets. A MERRY PROGRESS TO LONDON TO SEE FASHIONS, BY A YOUNG COUNTRY GALLANT THAT HAD MORE MONEY THAN WIT. To the tune of Riding to Rumford. 1. My mother to heaven is gone; ten pounds she gave me. Now never a penny's left, as God shall have me. Yet still my heart is free; I live at liberty, And keep good company, taking tobacco. 2. Old woman, fare thee well; thanks for thy kindness. My plough and cart are gone, with my good geldings. I have no foot of land, nor one groat at command. Which way then shall I stand, to a pipe of tobacco? 3. My purse will chink no more; my pocket's empty. I am turned out of door; farewell, good company. Friendship now slender grows; poverty parteth those That for drink sell their clothes, and for tobacco. 4. My cloak is laid to pawn with my old dagger. My state is quite o'erthrown; how shall I swagger? Yet I'll do what I can, and be no coward then, But prove myself a man, at a pipe of tobacco. [5. In an old satin suit, without a penny, We gallants may brag it brave as well as any. What though my credit's lost, yet can I find a post Still to score with mine host, for a pipe of tobacco.] 6. Upon a proper nag daintily pacéd. To London first I came, all with gold lacéd. Then with my punk each day, rode I to see a play. There went my gold away, taking tobacco. [7. Twenty good sheep I brought, left by my mother: Ewes and lambs, cows and calves, one with the other, With which I paid a shot, for a pipe and a pot. All these were bravely got, and spent in tobacco.] [8. No companion was I then for clownish carters. I wore embroidered hose, with golden garters. My silver-hatchéd sword, made me swear like a lord. Come, rogue; at every word, fill me tobacco.] THE SECOND PART OF THE MERRY PROGRESS TO LONDON. TO THE SAME TUNE. 9. Then tracing the gallant streets of London city, A damsel me kindly greets, courteous and witty. She like a singing lark, led me into the dark, Where I soon paid a mark, for a pipe of tobacco. [10. To Smithfield then gallantly took I my journey, Where I left soon behind part of my money. There I found out a punk, with whom I was so drunk, That my purse bottom shrunk, away with tobacco.] 11. Pickthatch and Clerkenwell made me so merry, Until my purse at last, began to grow weary. Yellow-starched bonny Kate, with her fine nimble pate, Cozened me of my plate, with a pipe of tobacco. 12. Then for good fellowship, to Garden-alley, I hied me to search for daughters of folly. There I found roaring boys, with their fair female joys, And the devil-making toys, to take tobacco. [13. After, to Shoreditch then, stood I beholding, Where I found sinners store, of the devil's molding. I speak for no slander, the punk and her pander, Like a goose and her gander, took whiffs of tobacco.] [14. To St Katharine's passed I next, not without trouble, Where my purse lashed out, drinking beer double. A tester for each toast, paid I there to my host, And the sauce to my cost, was a crown for tobacco.] [15. To Ratcliff and Wapping then, went I for shipping, Whereat a lass lovingly gave me a whipping. There was a bonny wench, struck a nail would not clench, That taught me finely French, taking tobacco.] 16. Then straight to Westminster made I adventure, To find good fellows who willed me to enter, Where I felt such a smoke, as might the devil choke. There went away my cloak, with the smoke of tobacco. [17. Backward to Barbican quickly I hasted. There met I honest John, my money being wasted. A pipe and a pot (quoth he) my friend I'll bestow on thee; Then let’s to no-body, there's the best tobacco.] 18. Now farewell, good fellowship; London, I leave thee. Never more whilst I live, shall they deceive me. Every street, every lane, holds me in disdain. London hath wrought my bane, so farewell, tobacco. Finis. Imprinted at London for J. White. |
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Subject: Lyr Add: THE HUSBAND WHO USES TOBACCO From: Jim Dixon Date: 22 Mar 23 - 07:05 PM From the sheet music at the Library of Congress: THE HUSBAND WHO USES TOBACCO Composed by Ossian E. Dodge, ©1848. “Sung by the Misses Macomber and Messrs Covert & Dodge, with unbounded applause in the principal cities of the union.” 1. He sits in his chair from morn till night. ’Tis smoke, chew, smoke. He rises at dawn his pipe to light, Goes puffing and chewing with all his might Till the hour of sleep ’tis his delight To smoke, chew, smoke. 2. He sits all day in a smoke or fog ‘Tis puff, puff, puff. He growls at his wife, the cat and the dog. He covers with filth the carpet and rug, And his only reply when moved by a jog Is puff, puff, puff. 3. The quid goes in when his pipe goes out. ‘Tis chew, chew, chew. A cloud of smoke comes from his throat. His mouth sends forth a stream afloat Sufficient to carry a mill or boat. ‘Tis chew, chew, chew. 4. At home or abroad, afar or near, ‘Tis smoke, chew, smoke. His mouth is stuffed from ear to ear, Or puffing the stump of a pipe so dear. His days will end, I verily fear, In smoke, smoke, smoke. |
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Subject: Lyr Add: A WIFE'S COMPLAINT OF HER SMOKING HUSBAND From: Jim Dixon Date: 24 Mar 23 - 02:46 PM This poem is obviously related to the above song, but I can't say who copied from whom. They were published in the same year. The text apparently comes from an anonymous source: Found in The Literary Miscellany for English Readers Abroad and at Home (Nuremberg: Frederic Campe, and London: Williams & Norgate, 1848), page 204: A WIFE'S COMPLAINT OF HER SMOKING HUSBAND. He sits in his chair from morn till night Smoke! Smoke! Smoke! At early morn he calls for a light, He takes his cigar, and with all his might He puffs and puffs; for his only delight Is Smoke! Smoke! Smoke! And he takes to another when that is out, Till Smoke! Smoke! Smoke! In such dense clouds around him float, If you saw him, indeed you would think that his throat Was rather the funnel of some steam boat, Such Smoke! Smoke! Smoke! He sits silent all day in his odious fog, Smoke! Smoke! Smoke! I tell him it makes him as dull as a clod, As a husband he'd be as well under the sod But his only reply is—a puff, and a nod, And Smoke! Smoke! Smoke! The house all over from end to end Is Smoke! Smoke! Smoke! In whatever room my way I bend, If I take up his clothes to patch or mend, Ungrateful odours will ever ascend Of Smoke! Smoke! Smoke! At home or abroad, or far or near, 'Tis Smoke! Smoke! Smoke! Every day in the week, every day in the year— He'll never abandon the habit—that's clear— And his days will certainly end, I fear, In Smoke! Smoke! Smoke! Young ladies, be warn'd by my fate!—and take heed Ne'er to wed with a fellow who uses the weed; Far better that husbands you ever should lack, O! Than marry a man what smokes tobacco! |
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Subject: Lyr Add: HARRY RAG (Ray Davies/The Kinks) From: Jim Dixon Date: 24 Mar 23 - 08:18 PM This was mentioned by AndyG on 07-Jan-00. Lyrics found online and checked by me against a recording. HARRY RAG* Words and music by Ray Davies As recorded by The Kinks on “Something Else,” 1967. Ah, Tom is young and Tom is bold. Tom is as bold as the knights of old, But whenever he gets in a bit of a jam, There's nothing he won't do to get a Harry rag. CHORUS: Harry rag, Harry rag, Do anything just to get a Harry rag. And he curses himself for the life he's led, And rolls himself a Harry rag and puts himself to bed. Ah, Tom's old ma is a dying lass. Soon they all reckon she'll be pushing up the grass, And her bones might ache and her skin might sag, But still she's got the strength to have a Harry rag. CHORUS: Harry rag, Harry rag, Do anything just to get a Harry rag. And she curses herself for the life she's led. And rolls herself a Harry rag and puts herself to bed. Ah, bless you, tax man; bless you all. You may take some but you never take it all, But if I give it all, I won't feel sad As long as I got enough to buy a Harry rag. CHORUS: Harry rag, Harry rag, Do anything just to get a Harry rag, And I curse myself for the life I've led, And roll myself a Harry rag and put myself to bed. Ah, the smart young ladies of the land Can't relax without a Harry in their hand, And they light one up and they boast and brag, So content because they got a Harry rag. CHORUS: Harry rag, Harry rag, Do anything just to get a Harry rag, And they'll light one and they'll boast and brag, So content because they got a Harry rag. CHORUS: Harry rag, Harry rag, I'll do anything just to get a Harry rag, And I curse myself for the life I've led And roll myself a Harry rag and put myself to bed. - - - * Harry rag or Harry Wragg, British and Irish rhyming slang for “fag” (cigarette), based on famous jockey Harry Wragg (1902-85). – info from The New Partridge Dictionary of Slang and Unconventional English. |
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Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Anti-smoking songs From: Dave the Gnome Date: 25 Mar 23 - 04:42 AM Stanley Accrington did a great song based on an old joke but I can only remember parts of it. Starts He was smoking I was choking And he thought that I was joking When I politely asked him to desist It then goes into the smoker claiming it was his right to smoke etc. The last bit starts I said you've got me thinking My particular pleasure's drinking... Goes on to The byproduct isn't gaseous It's smelly and it splashes Then finishes So I stood on the chair and peed upon his head Sorry I can't remember more. If I get chance I'll see if I have a recording to post somewhere |
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Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Anti-smoking songs From: GeoffLawes Date: 25 Mar 23 - 07:38 AM Tex Williams - Smoke! Smoke! Smoke! (That Cigarette) 1947 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=65_-vNtWLLs |
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Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Anti-smoking songs From: Dave the Gnome Date: 25 Mar 23 - 04:45 PM Found it! I am not going to post all the lyrics - I have uploaded it as an MP3 to Google Drive Here Enjoy and if you want it but can't get it, let me know |
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Subject: Lyr Add: ANOTHER PUFF (Jerry Reed) From: Jim Dixon Date: 25 Mar 23 - 05:48 PM This was mentioned by Gene back on 07-Jan-00. It’s one of those “spoken” songs with guitar accompaniment, sorta like talking blues. The words are interspersed with lots of laughing, coughing, and wheezing, which I have not bothered to document. It’s available on Spotify and YouTube. My transcription. ANOTHER PUFF As recorded by Jerry Reed on “Ko-Ko Joe,” 1971. I know there’s a lot o’ talk goin’ ’round today ’Bout cigarette smoke an’ whittlin’ your life away. I’ve seen it and I’ve heard it so many times That finally, it just started to prey on my min’. I guess it scared me a little bit. That’s why I decided I’s gon’ quit. So while I’s sittin’ here formin’ my battle plan, I took another puff and turned on the fan. I just set there in my easy chair, Thought of all the money I’d wasted on cigarettes all these years. I thought how I’d spend the rest o’ my days After I kicked this habit my body craves. Said to myself: “This ain’t gon’ be so tough.” With that little bit of assurance, I took another puff. I took a puff, I puffed, Then I ripped off another puff. I decided I’d ’bout had enough. Said, breakin’ this habit’s gon’ be too tough. Now, I’d give a lot o’ thought to this thing. If I didn’t smoke cigarettes, I’d feel just like a king. ’Sides, with the price goin’ up ever’ day I knew I’s just throwin’ all my good money away. You know, I ain’t lit one in an hour or so. Just wanted to make sure I could quit, you know. I was thinkin’ maybe I ought to write all this down, Put it in a song, kind o’ circulate it aroun’. Can’t ever tell, it might make a hit, And that’d help the cause a little bit. Can you imagine me a hit song writer? Where’d I put that cigarette lighter? After all, it’s a habit, and a habit you can break. Just a little bit o’ will power, that’s all it takes. Said to myself, “You got to be tough,” And with that little bit o’ wisdom, I took another puff. I took a puff, and then a puff, And I finally ripped off another puff. I decided, boy, this ain’t gon’ be tough. … just about had enough. I’m ’bout ready to quit this rotten habit anyway. Oh, I think they ought to take it off television. It looks too good! I like them skinny ones with the filters. Oh, give it to me! Give it to me! Cigarettes! I say, if I quit smokin’, what’ll I do? Maybe I’ll eat. Yeah, I’ll eat cigarettes! Oh, iloveitiloveitiloveitiloveitiloveitiloveit! [person’s name?]… don’t smoke; he smokes logs! Makes you laugh funny, too. Oh, my throat scratches! Oh, I wish I could think o’ somethin’ bad to say ’bout cigarettes! Boo on cigarettes! Don’t smoke, don’t smoke, don’t smoke! You quit smokin’, that’ll leave more for me! I love it. I love it. No, I don’t love cigarettes, you know, misunderstand: I hate cigarettes. Makes you cough. When you don’t smoke, it makes you shake. I don’t know what’s worse, the shake or the cough. I think I’ll make me a cough shake! Uh, did you ever smoke? Oh, I member one time I quit smokin’. I quit for three months. My wife left me. So did my children. She took my house and left. It was a mobile home! |
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Subject: Lyr Add: SMOKE SMOKE SMOKE (BUT NOT AROUND ME) From: Jim Dixon Date: 25 Mar 23 - 07:23 PM Arkie mentioned this song on 07-Jan-00.
According to Billboard magazine, this version was released as a 45-rpm single, Monument 1108, in 1968. |
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Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Anti-smoking songs From: BrooklynJay Date: 26 Mar 23 - 03:19 AM Here's one that's a song... sort of. It's an anti-smoking animated Public Service Announcement from 1968 recited by James Earl Jones. The Ballad of Johnny Smoke Anyone out there remember this one? Jay |
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Subject: Lyr Add: MR. NICOTINE MAN (David C. Perry) From: Jim Dixon Date: 26 Mar 23 - 12:21 PM Bert mentioned this on 11-Jan-00. Words from the video at YouTube, performed by Winchester/Perry (Christine Winchester and David C. Perry). You can also hear the audio at the Winchester/Perry website, or click here for the mp3 file. MR. NICOTINE MAN “A second-hand song about smoking” Words by David C. Perry, music, “Mr. Tambourine Man” by Bob Dylan. [Spoken] Here with a public announcement for the American Tobacco Growers Association in conjunction with the American Cancer Society, is smokesperson, Mr. Bob Dylan. [Chorus] Hey, Mister Nicotine Man, save a puff for me. Quitting smoking’s such a drag to do. Hey. Mister Nicotine Man, save a puff for me. Sacred cigarette smoke, I’ll come swallowing you. I tried those sissy cigarettes with hardly any tar, Six packs today so far, Plus a pipe and a cigar, But I’d still walk a mile for a Camel Plain. My old lady said that when we kiss, I taste like an ashtray. And I said, “That’s OK,” And then she moved away. Well, some folks can’t tell pleasure from pain. [Chorus] O sweet Virginia leaves, you know, I’d sell my soul for you, My lungs and larynx too, Hold my breath till I turn blue. My heart is pure but the air I breathe’s corrupt. Though I know Tobacco Road can lead me only to despair, Well, I don’t really care, ’Cause I’m already there, And when you’re down this far, you might as well light up. [Chorus] Though you might hear coughing, hacking, gasping like I can hardly breathe, Don’t you pay it any heed, ’Cause it ain’t air I need. Just gi’ me some more weed, ’Cause after all, there’s more to life than breath. At least it’s somewhat safer than sucking on a gun, And almost as much fun. Hell, there’s no real damage done. The condemned get one last smoke before their death. [Chorus] |
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Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Anti-smoking songs From: Stilly River Sage Date: 26 Mar 23 - 02:30 PM Merle Travis sings Smoke Smoke Smoke that Cigarette via YouTube. |
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Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Anti-smoking songs From: Stilly River Sage Date: 26 Mar 23 - 02:44 PM My memory is trying tease out enough of a song I'm pretty sure Ed McCurdy sang about an evil weed tobacco. It'll come to me eventually so I can look it up. Or someone else will read this and remember it immediately. |
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Subject: Lyr Add: TOBACCO SONG (Mike Cross) From: Jim Dixon Date: 27 Mar 23 - 03:13 PM This song was quoted by Caitrin on 24-Apr-00, and then was mentioned again by an unnamed guest on 17-Nov-07. The tone sounds kinda ironic to me. TOBACCO SONG As recorded by Mike Cross on “Irregular Guy,” 2006 Tobacco is an evil weed; it’ll take away your breath, Stain your teeth and make you weak and burn your lungs to death. Little kids sneak cigarettes out behind the barn. It makes them gag and cough because it does them so much harm. Cigars killed my uncle Phil; we knew someday they’d git him. He bent over in the street to pick one up and a bus rode by and hit him. So if you smoke or dip or chew, you’d better get your fill, ’Cause if tobacco don’t get you, then anti-smokers will. |
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Subject: Lyr Add: CHOCOLATE CIGARETTES (Tom Russell) From: Jim Dixon Date: 27 Mar 23 - 03:51 PM An unnamed guest mentioned this on 11-Nov-07: CHOCOLATE CIGARETTES As recorded by Tom Russell (with Barrence Whitfield) on “Hillbilly Voodoo,” 2015. Edith Piaf was the little sparrow; she flew high above the Paris streets, Saint of the bars and bistros, chanteuse of the tear-stained sheets. She sang for drunks and sailors who sunk as low as low could get. I read she kicked a three-pack habit once with chocolate cigarettes. She didn’t have a smoke though she wanted one, Didn’t take a drink though it hurt her some. She stared across the River Seine hummin’ “No Regrets,” Pullin’ on a chocolate cigarette, Pullin’ on a chocolate cigarette. Oh, those chocolate cigarettes! I’ve seen ‘em in my youth, Right beside the Hershey bars, the Almond Joys and Baby Ruths. I kicked a two-pack habit once; I won a hundred-dollar bet With the help of chewing gum and chocolate cigarettes. I didn’t have a smoke, though I wanted one, Didn’t take a drink, though it hurt me some. I followed a little sparrow, hummin’ “No Regrets,” Pullin on a chocolate cigarette, Yeah, pullin on a chocolate cigarette. It’s an Edith Piaf night tonight as I put her records on. All that smoky passion, in every life of every song! Broken hearts and wasteful habits, we’ll all survive them yet, Old passions drowned in coffee grounds and chocolate cigarettes. She didn’t have a smoke though she wanted one, Didn’t take a drink though it hurt her some. She stared across the River Seine hummin’ “No Regrets,” Pullin’ on a chocolate cigarette. She didn’t have a smoke though she wanted one, Didn’t take a drink though it hurt her some. She stared across the River Seine hummin’ “No Regrets,” Pullin’ on a chocolate cigarette, Oh yeah, pullin’ on a chocolate cigarette. |
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Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Anti-smoking songs From: GUEST,RJM Date: 27 Mar 23 - 05:04 PM Lyrics Cigareetes and whusky and wild, wild women They'll drive you crazy, they'll drive you insane Cigareetes and whusky and wild, wild women They'll drive you crazy, they'll drive you insane Once, I was happy and had a good wife I had enough money to last me for life I met with the gal and we went on a spree She started me smokin' and drinkin' whusky Cigareetes and whusky and wild, wild women They'll drive you crazy, they'll drive you insane Cigareetes and whusky and wild, wild women They'll drive you crazy, they'll drive you insane Now, I am feeble and broken with age The lines on my face make a well-written page I'm leavin' this message, how sad but how true On women and whusky and what they can do Cigareetes and whusky and wild, wild women They'll drive you crazy, they'll drive you insane Cigareetes and whusky and wild, wild women They'll drive you crazy, they'll drive you insane Right on the cross at the head of my grave For women and whusky, here lies a poor slave Take warning, dear stranger, take warning, dear friend Then write in big letters, these words at the end Cigareetes and whusky and wild, wild women They'll drive you crazy, they'll drive you insane Cigareetes and whusky and wild, wild women They'll drive you crazy, they'll drive you insane Source: Musixmatch Songwriters: Tim Spencer |
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Subject: Lyr Add: IT’S A FREE WORLD (Peggy Seeger) From: Jim Dixon Date: 28 Mar 23 - 12:03 PM Irene M mentioned this on 16-Nov-07. You can hear it on YouTube. IT’S A FREE WORLD As recorded by Peggy Seeger on “An Odd Collection,” 1996. I like Mrs. Britches. I go to Mrs. Britches. I eat at Mrs. Britches on a Friday for breakfast. There are only seven tables, Flowers on the tables, And smokers at the tables on a Friday. Now you may think I’m jokin’, But some smokers when they’re smokin’, Don’t notice if you’re chokin’ or you’re dyin’. There’s this one fella, Andy, A real chain smoker, and he Blows smoke right at me ’til I’m cryin’. I asked him quite politely. In fact, I asked him nicely: “Would you mind not smokin’ on a Friday? Don’t like it when I’m eatin’. Don’t like it when I’m breathin’. Don’t like it any where or any day.” He told me: “It’s a habit. I choose to have it, And you choose to come here on a Friday, So you’re the problem, not me, And if I choose to rock me, You’ve got no right to stop me ’cause it’s my way. “’Cause it’s a free world, Democracy and all that; it’s a free world, Laissez-faire and all that, and if industry can do it, so can I.” The smokers cheered him loudly. He lit another proudly. As for me, I looked around me for a friend. I thought of world pollution. I thought of evolution. I thought of revolution, but I paid my bill and left. I thought of Mother Jones; I though of Rosa Parks, Sojourner Truth, and Rosa Luxembourg; it’s them I have to thank. Guerrilla folks have taught me: if freedom you are wanting, If head-on fights are daunting. use the flank. So I ate corn on Sunday. I ate beans on Monday. On Tuesday, leeks and lentils made a high day. I tell you, I’m not jokin’. By Thursday, I was floatin’, But I’m ready for the smokin’ on a Friday. I sat down next to Andy. I smiled at Andy. He lit up; I let off a beauty. I sat and read the paper, And chatted with a waiter, And let my compass maker do its duty. Beans are for pitching. Leeks are malediction. Sweet corn is for density and lentils for duration. The recipe’s been tested. It hasn’t yet been bested. Add cabbage for perfume and concentration. Andy he turns yellow. The atmosphere is mellow. The percussion section’s way over the top. It soon put Andy’s fag out. Andy hung the flag out. Andy choked and swore and muttered: "Stop!" I told him: “It’s a habit. I choose to have it, And you choose to come here on a Friday, And if you don’t like it, I guess you’ll have to hike it, ’Cause I’ll fight for farter’s rights until I die. “’Cause it’s a free world, Liberty and all that; it’s a free world, Selfishness and all that; and if Andy can do it, so can I.” He changed his day to Thursday. I changed my day to Thursday. He changed his day to Wednesday; so did I. The waitress she was cheerin’. Her bronchitis it was clearin’, And she was volunteerin’ for the Tuesday. I like Mrs. Britches. I go to Mrs. Britches. I breathe at Mrs. Britches on a Friday for breakfast. There are only seven tables, Flowers on the tables, And no smokers at the tables any day. ’Cause it’s a free world, Strategy and all that; it’s a free world, Crude comedy and all that; but if I can do it, so can anybody. |
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Subject: Lyr Add: DAD BLAME ANYTHING A MAN CAN’T QUIT From: Jim Dixon Date: 30 Mar 23 - 06:19 PM You can hear this at YouTube. DAD BLAME ANYTHING A MAN CAN’T QUIT As recorded by Roger Miller on “Words and Music,” 1966. [1] I’m a two-pack-a-day man; I smoke like a fiend, Like a burned-out bearin’ in a bad machine. I can’t breathe in the mornin’ till I get myself a cigarette lit. I say: “Dad* blame anything a man* can’t quit.” [2] I’m a brand-new newlywed, married again: Nine times previous and this makes ten. I ought to be kicked so hard till I can hardly walk around or sit. I say: “Dad* blame anything a man can’t quit.” [3] Still, I keep it up, keep it up, and do it all the time. Ev’ry now and then I make up my mind To give it up, give it up, throw it away. I us’ly change my mind later on up in the day. [Repeat 1, 3, 1, then scat.] - - - * He sings “Dad” as 3 syllables/notes: “Da-ha-had.”—and the first time he sings “man,” it has 2 syllables: “ma-han.” Roger Miller died in 1972 of lung and throat cancer. |
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