Tex Williams – Smoke! Smoke! Smoke! (That Cigarette)
Are you a fan of country music? If so, you’ve probably heard of Tex Williams and his hit song “Smoke! Smoke! Smoke! (That Cigarette).” In this article, we’ll explore the meaning behind the song, as well as Tex Williams’ career in country music.
The Song
“Smoke! Smoke! Smoke! (That Cigarette)” was recorded by Tex Williams in 1947. The song was written by Merle Travis and Tex Williams, and produced by Capitol Records. It was included in Tex Williams’ album “Smoke! Smoke! Smoke!” and reached number one on the Billboard charts in 1947.
The song is about the dangers of smoking and the addictive nature of cigarettes. The lyrics describe a man who is addicted to smoking and can’t seem to quit, no matter how hard he tries. The chorus of the song repeats the phrase “Smoke! Smoke! Smoke! that cigarette” as a warning to listeners about the dangers of smoking.
The Artist
Tex Williams was born in Ramsey, Illinois in 1917. He began his career in music as a member of the Spade Cooley Orchestra in the 1940s. He later formed his own band, the Western Caravan, and became known for his unique style of country music that blended elements of swing and jazz.
Williams had several hits throughout his career, including “Suspicion” and “Never Trust a Woman.” He was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1974 and continued to perform until his death in 1985.
Conclusion
“Smoke! Smoke! Smoke! (That Cigarette)” is a classic country song that has stood the test of time. Its message about the dangers of smoking is just as relevant today as it was when it was first recorded in 1947. Tex Williams’ career in country music was also noteworthy, and his contributions to the genre will not be forgotten.
If you’re a fan of country music, be sure to check out Tex Williams’ other hits and explore the rich history of this uniquely American genre.
Some Versions:
Phil Harris & His Orchestra 1947 (RCA Victor)
Jimmy Dean 1961 (Columbia)
Commander Cody & His Lost Planet Airmen 1973 (Paramount)
Merle Travis 1979 (CMH Records)
Leroy Van Dyke 1982 (Audiograph)
Asleep at the Wheel 1995 (Capitol)
Cousin Harley 2017 (Little Pig Records)
COUNTRYPEDIA
Tex Williams – Smoke! Smoke! Smoke! (That Cigarette) Lyrics
Now I’m a fellow with a heart of gold
With the ways of a gentleman I’ve been told
The kind of fellow that wouldn’t even harm a flea
But if me and a certain character met
The guy that invented the cigarette
I’d murder that son-of-a-gun in the first degree
‘Course, it ain’t cause I don’t smoke myself
And I don’t reckon they hinder your health
I’ve smoked them all my life and I ain’t dead yet
But nicotine slaves are all the same
At a pettin’ party or a poker game
Everything’s gotta stop while they smokes a cigarette
(Smoke, smoke, smoke that cigarette)
(Puff, puff, puff and if you smoke yourself to death)
Tell St. Peter at the Golden Gate
That you hates to make him wait
You’ve gotta have another cigarette
In a game of chance the other night
Old Dame Fortune was doin’ me right
The kings and the queens just kept on comin’ around
I got a full and I bet ’em high
But my bluff didn’t work on a certain guy
He just kept on raisin’ and layin’ that money down
He’d raise me, I’d raise him
I sweated blood, you gotta sink or swim
He finally called, didn’t raise the bet
I said “aces full pal, how ’bout you?”
He said “I’ll tell you in just a minute or two
Right now, I just gotta have myself a cigarette”
(Smoke, smoke, smoke that cigarette)
(Puff, puff, puff and if you smoke yourself to death)
Tell St. Peter at the Golden Gate
That you hates to make him wait
You’ve gotta have another cigarette
The other night I had me a date
With the cutest little gal on East 50 States
One ’em high-bred, uptown, fancy little dames
She said she loved me and it seemed to me
That everything’s bout like it oughta be
So hand in hand we strolled down lover’s lane
She was oh so far from a chunk of ice
Our smoochin’ party was goin’ real nice
So help me, Hannah I’m thinking I’ve been there yet
I give her a kiss, a little squeeze
She said, “Tex, excuse me please
But I just gotta have a filtered cigarette”
(Smoke, smoke, smoke that cigarette)
(Puff, puff, puff and if you smoke yourself to death)
Tell St. Peter at the Golden Gate
That you hates to make him wait
You’ve just gotta have another cigarette
GENIUS
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