Don't Smoke In Bed
Dave Barbour & His Orchestra Lyrics

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I left a note on his dresser
And my old wedding ring
With these few goodbye words
How can I sing
Goodbye old sleepy head
Im packing you in like I said

Take care of everything

Im leaving my wedding ring
Dont look for me
Ill get a hand
Remember darling
Dont smoke in bed

Dont look for me
Ill get a hand

Remember darling
Dont smoke in bed

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Dave Barbour & His Orchestra/Peggy Lee's song Don't Smoke in Bed depict a woman leaving her partner in a calm and collected manner. As she walks out the door, she leaves behind a note on his dresser and her wedding ring, stating that she is leaving him for good. The lyrics convey a sense of finality and regret, as the woman is leaving behind a part of herself, but at the same time she is firm in her decision to move on. The line "How can I sing, goodbye old sleepy head?" speaks to the pain and sadness she is feeling in leaving someone she loves, even if they may not have been right for each other.

The repetition of the line "Don't smoke in bed" at the end of each verse serves as a warning to her former partner, who may have been a smoker, but also as a message to the audience. It can be interpreted as a reminder to be mindful of our actions and how they can affect ourselves and those around us. The song is a powerful reflection on love and loss, and the importance of taking care of oneself.

Line by Line Meaning

I left a note on his dresser
I wrote a message on his furniture that he will see when he wakes up

And my old wedding ring
I left my symbol of love and commitment that no longer means anything

With these few goodbye words
I am leaving with only a small parting message

How can I sing
My heart is too heavy to find joy in music

Goodbye old sleepy head
Farewell my lover who is so comfortable in bed

Im packing you in like I said
I am following through on my plan to leave and never come back

Take care of everything
I have taken care of my affairs and don't need him anymore

Im leaving my wedding ring
I no longer need this token of our love, it is now just a ring

Dont look for me
I won't be coming back no matter how hard he tries to find me

Ill get a hand
I will seek help and find support during this difficult time

Remember darling
I still care for him, but I can't go on like this