Smoking has long been an integral part of the music industry.
From the 1960s to the present day, many songs have been composed that feature smoking as a prominent theme.
This article will explore 15 of the best songs about smoking, including popular selections from Sublime, Afroman, Carrie Underwood, Peter, Paul and Mary, and the Steve Miller Band.
These songs will be analyzed in terms of their lyrical and musical content, as well as their impact on popular culture.
Furthermore, the article will examine how the themes of smoking in these songs have evolved over time.
By exploring these themes, it is possible to gain a better understanding of the relationship between smoking and music.
1. “Smoke Two Joints” by Sublime
“Smoke Two Joints” is a reggae-influenced song by Sublime that was released on their 1991 album, Jah Won’t Pay The Bills.
The song is an ode to smoking marijuana, and its upbeat tempo and catchy chorus make it an anthem for marijuana smokers.
The lyrics of the song are light-hearted and humorous, but the message of the song is serious.
It encourages the listener to take a stand against the criminalization of marijuana and to embrace its recreational use.
The song is a celebration of the positive effects that marijuana can have on one’s life, and it serves as a reminder that the joy of marijuana should not be taken for granted.
2. “Because I Got High” by Afroman
Afroman’s hit single “Because I Got High” is a humorous take on the consequences of smoking marijuana.
The song is structured in a narrative form, wherein the singer’s life is negatively impacted by his marijuana use.
Through clever wordplay and a catchy chorus, Afroman conveys the idea of how addiction to marijuana can lead to destructive behavior.
The song’s lyrics reflect a lighthearted approach to the repercussions of smoking marijuana, highlighting the humorous irony of the situation.
The song’s lighthearted nature serves to create an entertaining experience for the listener while also conveying a strong message about the potential risks of smoking marijuana.
3. “Smoke Break” by Carrie Underwood
Carrie Underwood’s single “Smoke Break” conveys the idea of taking a break from the strains of daily life.
It gives listeners a sense of relief and relaxation, a reprieve from hardships, and allows them to take a moment to appreciate the simple pleasures.
The lyrics invoke images of a peaceful, calming environment, depicting it as an ideal place to escape and reflect.
Underwood’s song provides a reminder of the importance of taking a step back to enjoy life’s little moments.
4. “Sweet Leaf” by Black Sabbath
Continuing the discussion of songs about smoking, another classic that deserves mentioning is Black Sabbath’s “Sweet Leaf”.
This 1971 hard rock anthem is a tribute to the band’s love of marijuana and is revered as a classic of the genre.
Lyrically, the song is a celebration of smoking.
Musically, the song is characterized by its heavy riffs, thunderous drums, and bluesy guitar solos.
The song is a testament to the band’s appreciation for marijuana and an iconic example of the genre.
5. “Hits from the Bong” by Cypress Hill
Cypress Hill’s 1993 hip-hop classic “Hits from the Bong” is an iconic ode to marijuana use.
The song’s heavy bass line and scratching are a nod to the group’s West Coast G-funk influence.
Lyrically, the song features a call-and-response chorus and boasts of getting high with a bong and a joint.
Its humorous lyrics speak to the culture of marijuana use, while its musicality gives it staying power.
Overall, “Hits from the Bong” is a testament to the power of music to capture a moment in time and bring people together.
6. “Smoke Rings in the Dark” by Gary Allan
Gary Allan’s 1999 hit “Smoke Rings in the Dark” poignantly portrays the loneliness and longing of a relationship that ended too soon.
The somber lyrics depict the smoke rings of a cigarette as a symbol of the fading memories of a past love.
Allan’s use of metaphor and imagery successfully conveys the emotion of a broken heart.
The slow tempo and subtle instrumentation further emphasize the mournful and reflective mood of the song.
The song is a melancholic reminder of the fragility of love and the difficulty of letting go.
7. “Cigarettes and Chocolate Milk” by Rufus Wainwright
Rufus Wainwright’s 2001 song “Cigarettes and Chocolate Milk” is a hauntingly beautiful track that explores the themes of addiction and escapism.
The lyrics depict a person struggling to overcome their addiction to smoking, while also relying on an escapism of chocolate milk to cope with the emotional pain.
The song’s gentle acoustic melody and mellow tempo create a sense of mellow nostalgia.
The lyrics are full of melancholy imagery, such as ‘dying embers’ and ‘dreams of smoke and mirrors’.
Ultimately, “Cigarettes and Chocolate Milk” serves as a powerful reminder of the difficulties of overcoming addiction.
8. “The Last Cigarette” by Dramarama
Dramarama’s 1989 song “The Last Cigarette” paints an emotive portrait of the narrator’s final moments of smoking.
The lyrics detail a slow and drawn-out goodbye to the habit, as the narrator reflects on his own mortality and the implications of smoking.
The narrator’s voice conveys a sense of resignation and regret, with a hint of nostalgia.
Musically, the track expresses a sense of longing, with a haunting piano accompaniment and yearning vocal delivery.
The song serves as a reminder of the consequences of smoking and the difficulty of quitting.
9. “Smokin’ in the Boys Room” by Brownsville Station
Brownsville Station’s 1973 song “Smokin’ in the Boys Room” is a playfully rebellious ode to teenage mischief.
Its lyrics tell the story of teens who defy school rules by smoking cigarettes behind the gymnasium, and the chorus encourages listeners to join in the rebellious act.
The song’s light-hearted tone and musical arrangement provide a contrast to the serious nature of the act itself.
The song’s popularity has endured over the years, providing a snapshot of the time when it was released.
It is a reminder of how impressionable teens can be and the peer pressure they experience.
10. “Don’t Bogart That Joint” by Fraternity of Man
Released in 1968, Fraternity of Man’s song “Don’t Bogart That Joint” offers a whimsical perspective on the recreational use of marijuana.
With a catchy beat and humorous lyrics, the song celebrates the use of the drug in an almost celebratory fashion, while at the same time providing a reminder of the need to share.
The song has become a cult classic and has been covered by numerous artists, each adding their own unique take on the song.
In a sense, “Don’t Bogart That Joint” has become an anthem for marijuana users, providing a sense of camaraderie and community.
11. “Addicted” by Amy Winehouse
Lyrically, Amy Winehouse’s track “Addicted” deals with themes of addiction, particularly concerning smoking.
The song paints a vivid portrait of a smoker’s life, expressing the craving for the feeling the nicotine brings.
Its catchy, bluesy melody further emphasizes the idea of needing a fix.
The song also touches on the idea of not being able to quit, despite the smoker knowing it’s bad for them.
This song serves as a poignant reminder of the struggle that smokers go through.
12. “How High” by Redman & Method Man
Redman & Method Man’s song “How High” deals with the subject of cannabis consumption.
The song takes a humorous approach, with Redman & Method Man singing about their attempts to get high and his dedication to cannabis.
The beat is upbeat and energetic, while Redman & Method Man’s clever lyrics add an element of lightheartedness to the song.
The song has become a classic in the hip-hop genre and is often used to promote cannabis culture.
13. “Marijuana” by Kid Cudi
Kid Cudi‘s song “Marijuana” is an ode to the joys of cannabis use, showcasing Cudi’s appreciation of the plant’s effects on his mental and emotional state.
The song features Cudi’s signature mellow sound, with lyrics that reflect upon his personal experiences with marijuana.
The track is an exploration of the positive aspects of cannabis, highlighting the emotional and creative benefits.
With references to using the substance to find peace and creative inspiration, the song celebrates marijuana in a way that is both thoughtful and nuanced.
14. “James Joint” by Rihanna
Rihanna‘s track “James Joint” is an ode to the pleasures of smoking marijuana, expressing her admiration for the plant’s effects on her physical and emotional state.
Lyrically, the track highlights the calming, pleasurable effects of smoking marijuana, while also acknowledging the potential dangers of overindulging.
The chorus follows a catchy melody, making the track a memorable and enjoyable listen.
Overall, the song captures the joys of smoking marijuana while using a thoughtful, analytical approach.
15. “Cigarettes & Alcohol” by Oasis
Oasis’ track “Cigarettes & Alcohol” is an ode to the hedonistic lifestyle of the British youth, focusing on the escapism of drinking and smoking as a way of dealing with the harsh reality of their lives.
Lyrically, the song is a celebration of excess and debauchery, praising the surreal nature of being intoxicated.
Musically, the song is fast-paced and upbeat, driven by an acoustic guitar riff and a driving beat.
The chorus provides a singalong chant that speaks to the collective experience of the youth of the time.
The song conveys a sense of triumph in the face of adversity, emphasizing the joy of living an unbridled life.
Best Songs About Smoking – Final Thoughts
The prevalence of smoking in popular music reveals a tension between glamorizing and cautioning against the habit.
While some songs are lighthearted and humorous, others are serious and contemplative.
These songs provide a wide range of perspectives on smoking, from a nostalgic view to a more critical one.
The best songs about smoking capture a range of emotions and experiences, from the joy of indulgence to the regret of addiction.
Ultimately, they demonstrate the complexity of the relationship between smoking and popular culture.
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