Braid is an American emo band from Urbana, Illinois that formed in 1993. Af… Read Full Bio ↴Braid is an American emo band from Urbana, Illinois that formed in 1993. After forming, the band went through several line-up changes but eventually settled on Bob Nanna on vocals and guitar, Todd Bell on bass, Chris Broach on guitar and vocals and Roy Ewing on drums. Roy was replaced in 1997 by Damon Atkinson. In 1999 Braid disbanded and went on to form Hey Mercedes with all band members minus Chris Broach (who went on to form The Firebird Band) and adding Mark Dawursk. The band reformed for a US tour in 2004 and, now that Hey Mercedes are defunct, apparently intend to tour sporadically. It is not yet known if Braid will be recording any more material. Roy went on to join New Ruins. Braid did a reunion tour in 2004 in the U.S.A., Canada, & Japan. In January 2011, Braid announced they would reform to record a 12" on Polyvinyl.

My Baby Smokes
Braid Lyrics

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Feline
I hope you're lying
Cause if these things come so easy
Then why am I trying
So hard
I thought it best
To let it simmer
Then deliver

Pour the facts and feelings
From a fever pitcher

Of smoke
A cough and a choke

I can feel you smiling
But you're too far to see
And June is here, June is here
But she's laughing without me
I want to see your eyes
Inches from mine
At both nines
We drink up the anger
Like wine
Laced with sugar

And smoke
I cough and I choke

(So take my hand
We'll jump up together and land
Just like the cats can)

These are the things that make us laugh
These are the things that make us cry
These are the things that make our knees shake
For fear's sake
And make our hearts break

It's me and me and baby makes three

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Braid's song "My Baby Smokes" seem to be about a relationship that's not entirely straightforward or easy. The singer seems to be questioning whether their efforts in the relationship are worth it if others are able to take things for granted. They wonder if they should just let things simmer and see what happens. However, they feel the need to express their feelings and pour them out to their partner. The use of the metaphor of a fever pitcher is interesting, as it suggests that the emotions are intense and potentially overwhelming.

The chorus of the song contains the repeated line "I cough and I choke," which seems to be referring to smoke. This smoke could represent many things, such as the haze of confusion surrounding the relationship or the literal smoke of cigarettes. The singer talks about wanting to be close to their partner, but they are too far away. They mention June being here but not being with them, suggesting that they might be missing out on some important moments. The final lines of the song suggest that the singer is considering starting a family with their partner.

Overall, "My Baby Smokes" is a song that deals with the complexity and uncertainty of relationships. The emotions expressed in the lyrics are intense and raw, reflecting the difficulties that often accompany this aspect of life.

Line by Line Meaning

Feline
Hey, I'm trying to convey a message

I hope you're lying
I hope you're playing a game

Cause if these things come so easy
If everything is so simple

Then why am I trying
Why do I have to make an effort?

So hard
To achieve something I desire?

I thought it best
I had a plan

To let it simmer
Let it go at its own pace

Then deliver
Deliver the message that needs to be conveyed

Pour the facts and feelings
Express the reality and emotions

From a fever pitcher
With intense passion

Of smoke
Of cigarettes