"A reprise version of the song appears as the last track on the album."
Cigarettes And Chocolate Milk
Rufus Wainwright Lyrics
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These are just a couple of my cravings
Everything it seems I like's a little bit stronger
A little bit thicker, a little bit harmful for me
If I should buy jellybeans
Have to eat them all in just one sitting
Everything it seems I like's a little bit sweeter
And then there's those other things
Which for several reasons we won't mention
Everything about 'em is a little bit stranger, a little bit harder
A little bit deadly
It isn't very smart
Tends to make one part
So brokenhearted
Sitting here remembering me
Always been a shoe made for the city
Go ahead accuse me of just singing about places
With scrappy boys faces have general run of the town
Playing with prodigal sons
Takes a lot of sentimental Valiums
Can't expect the world to be your Raggedy Andy
While running on empty you little old doll with a frown
You got to keep in the game
Retaining mystique while facing forward
I suggest a reading of a lesson in tightropes
Or surfing your high hopes or adios Kansas
It isn't very smart
Tends to make one part
So brokenhearted
Still there's not a show on my back
Holes or a friendly intervention
I'm just a little bit heiress, a little bit Irish
A little bit Tower of Pisa
Whenever I see ya
So please be kind, if I'm a mess
Cigarettes and chocolate milk
Cigarettes and chocolate milk
Rufus Wainwright’s “Cigarettes and Chocolate Milk” is a song about addictions, and the different things that people crave in order to feel good, whether it be material possessions, food, or substances. The lyrics are poignant as they describe the singer’s own cravings and how they are harmful to him. He sings about his love for cigarettes, even though they are harmful, and his love for chocolate milk, even though it makes him fatter. He also admits that there are other cravings he has that he won’t mention, things that are “a little bit stranger, a little bit harder, a little bit deadly.”
The song’s lyrics highlight the struggle of addiction, and how things that make you feel good in the moment can have negative and lasting consequences. The line “It isn't very smart, tends to make one part, so brokenhearted” speaks to the inevitable heartache that comes with succumbing to your addictions. The singer also alludes to the pressures of fame in the line “Playing with prodigal sons, takes a lot of sentimental Valiums,” hinting at how the entertainment industry can be an unhealthy and toxic space.
In conclusion, “Cigarettes and Chocolate Milk” is a hauntingly beautiful song about the temporary pleasure of indulging in one’s own desires and the long-term harm that can result from doing so. It serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of balance, moderation, and self-control, in the face of life’s many temptations.
Line by Line Meaning
Cigarettes and chocolate milk
These are a couple of things I crave
These are just a couple of my cravings
These are just a few of the things I want
Everything it seems I like's a little bit stronger
Everything I enjoy is a little more potent
A little bit thicker, a little bit harmful for me
A little richer, a little more dangerous for my well-being
If I should buy jellybeans
If I buy jellybeans
Have to eat them all in just one sitting
I have to consume them all at once
Everything it seems I like's a little bit sweeter
Everything I enjoy is a little more sugary
A little bit fatter, a little bit harmful for me
A little more caloric, a little more harmful to my health
And then there's those other things
And then there are those other items
Which for several reasons we won't mention
Which I won't discuss for various reasons
Everything about 'em is a little bit stranger, a little bit harder
There is something a little more peculiar and challenging about them
A little bit deadly
A little more lethal
It isn't very smart
It's not a wise decision
Tends to make one part
Can be detrimental to one's well-being
So brokenhearted
Leaves one feeling dejected
Sitting here remembering me
As I sit here recollecting myself
Always been a shoe made for the city
I've always been a person suited for urban life
Go ahead accuse me of just singing about places
Feel free to accuse me of only singing about locations
With scrappy boys faces have general run of the town
Where boys with rough-looking faces run the city
Playing with prodigal sons
Interacting with wayward sons
Takes a lot of sentimental Valiums
Requires a lot of emotional sedatives
Can't expect the world to be your Raggedy Andy
Shouldn't anticipate the world to cater to your needs
While running on empty you little old doll with a frown
While feeling drained and disheartened
You got to keep in the game
You need to stay in the competition
Retaining mystique while facing forward
Keeping some secrecy while moving ahead
I suggest a reading of a lesson in tightropes
I recommend reading a guide on walking a tightrope
Or surfing your high hopes or adios Kansas
Or riding the wave of your soaring aspirations or goodbye to the familiar
It isn't very smart
It's not wise
Tends to make one part
Can lead to heartbreak
So brokenhearted
Causing mental and emotional anguish
Still there's not a show on my back
Still, I'm not being ashamed publicly
Holes or a friendly intervention
Any weak spots or any helpful assistance
I'm just a little bit heiress, a little bit Irish
I come from money and Irish descent
A little bit Tower of Pisa
A bit like the leaning Tower of Pisa
Whenever I see ya
When I see you
So please be kind, if I'm a mess
So please be considerate if I'm not at my best
Cigarettes and chocolate milk
Cigarettes and chocolate milk
Cigarettes and chocolate milk
Cigarettes and chocolate milk
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Rufus Wainwright
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
genghisconnie
Because his voice and style are SO phenomenal, I think his lyrics are under appreciated.
Genius.
Jean Duval
Great song, voice like honey. Love Rufus and all his songs ❤❤❤❤
DexterD63
Great 😌 now this’ll be in my head for the rest of the day! Thanks a lot Rufus
theponk1
Rufus!!! Aww mate, how is it that I love literally everything you write on the first listening?
Clara Rodríguez-Chaves
So much GREATNESS here AmaZing Rufus you're PURE ART 🙏🙌❤️🔥Xxx
Ty Mo
Still one of my favorites! 🚬+🍫🥛
Erika Valerie
I loved this album instantly in 2001
Erika D.
So beautiful!.....And what a beautiful voice!...
Wendi Landkammer
I came to listen because I like his music. It was like listening to a story that I know a little too well.
Alejandro Igartiburu
La primera canción de Rufus que yo me aprendí