Cigarettes

The overall theme of the song revolves around the struggles of dealing with emotional pain and the unhealthy ways people cope with it. The narrator feels trapped in a cycle of self-destructive habits, like smoking and drinking. There's a sense of hopelessness, but also a glimmer of patience, as they seem to recognize that healing takes time. The lyrics reveal a deep internal conflict between wanting to escape and the realization that these escapes only make things worse.

Verse 1

I keep smokin' cigarettes on cigarettes
And mama says "it's hurtin' all my health"
I think that givin' up is gettin' by
And gettin' high don't ever get you well

In this verse, the narrator talks about their smoking habit, which their mother warns is bad for them. This shows a conflict between their choices and a loved one’s concern. The line about giving up highlights a feeling of resignation. They think that simply surviving is enough, but they also recognize that using substances to cope isn't truly helping them heal.

Chorus

Lately I've been dive bar drinkin'
Halfway wasted, overthinkin'
Lessons learned when heaven gives you hell

The chorus captures the narrator's current state of mind. Hanging out in dive bars and getting drunk reflects their desire to escape reality, but it’s clear they're not in a good place. The mention of overthinking suggests that even while trying to numb the pain, their mind is still racing with thoughts. The "lessons learned" line hints at a cycle of suffering that teaches them something, but it’s a painful way to learn.

Verse 2

If I don't make it, I know nothin'
Good is painless, I'll be patient
I know one day time will tell

Here, the narrator contemplates their future and feels uncertain. They question their chances of overcoming their struggles. The line about "good is painless" suggests that they believe true happiness shouldn't hurt, and they seem willing to wait for that better day to come. This shows a blend of hope and despair, as they acknowledge that time might bring change.

Chorus

And I know 'til we're over
I'll let whiskey drown my sober
Drinkin' out that dive bar again

This chorus repeats the focus on drinking as a way to cope. The idea of letting whiskey "drown" their sober self means they’re trying to escape their reality, even if it's temporary. The dive bar becomes a symbol of their ongoing battle with addiction and their need for an escape from their feelings.

Bridge

And don't ask my mama if I been okay
'Cause I ain't tell mama I'm down the drain
Wasted away, liquor it pours
And don't ask my mama 'cause she won't be sure

In the bridge, the narrator directly addresses their mother, revealing their struggle to be honest about their situation. They’re hiding their true feelings and the extent of their problems. The imagery of being "down the drain" emphasizes their feeling of losing control. It highlights the isolation that often comes with addiction; they're not only hiding from their mother but from themselves.

Chorus

I keep smokin' cigarettes on cigarettes
And mama says "it's hurtin' all my health"
I think that givin' up is gettin' by

This chorus repeats, underscoring the ongoing nature of their struggle. The repetition emphasizes the cycle they're stuck in, reinforcing their acknowledgment of the pain their habits cause. It serves as a reminder that despite knowing the harm, they feel trapped in their choices.

Closing Thoughts

"Cigarettes" is a raw look at coping with pain through unhealthy habits. Elijah Scott captures the feeling of being lost and the struggle between wanting to escape and understanding the need for change. The song's honesty makes it relatable for anyone who's felt overwhelmed and uncertain, showcasing the complex relationship between pain and the ways we try to numb it.